Black Walnut (Fresh Cut)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with visible growth rings. Freshly cut end grain shows a diffuse-porous to semi-ring-porous structure; face grain can be straight, wavy, or show cathedral patterns when flat-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a creamy brown but often appears greenish-grey or yellowish when freshly cut; it darkens to a deep chocolate brown after exposure to air and UV. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white and is distinctly narrow in this specimen.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; logs vary based on veneer quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The tree appears to be approximately 25-35 years old based on the growth ring count visible on the cross-section.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes a superb polish, though the dust can be a mild irritant.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when cut. Contains juglone, a chemical that can be toxic to some plants and horses. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear penetrating oils (linseed or tung) or polyurethane to highlight natural grain. No pre-stain needed as color develops naturally over time.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of deep fissured bark, the distinct contrast between the creamy sapwood and the dark/greenish circular heartwood core, and the pith structure is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.