Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but sometimes irregular or wavy; this sample shows a straight to slightly open grain with visible tool marks and surface oxidation.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to white. The surface in the image shows graying due to UV exposure and dust, typical of rough-sawn lumber.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable regarding decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the oxidation, graying patina, and rough-sawn texture, this board appears to have been air-drying or stored for 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant. Prized for its chocolate-brown color and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Danish oil or tung oil are recommended to enhance the natural depth and color of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the open grain structure, characteristic dark heartwood glimpses under the gray surface patina, and the specific texture of the rough-cut fibers are highly indicative of North American Black Walnut.