Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with presence of crotch figure and circular limb-attachment figure; visible cathedral-like swirls and irregular grain near the sapwood transition.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with purplish-grey undertones. Sapwood is distinct pale creamy-yellow/white. High natural luster and chatoyance visible on the turned surfaces.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items (bowls/platters), and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood is from a mature tree likely 50-80 years old; the sample itself appears freshly turned and finished with no significant oxidation or historical patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues, and finishes beautifully. Can produce tearout in figured areas if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its unique dark pigment and exceptional dimensional stability after drying. Low toxicity, but dust can be a mild irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or shellac to enhance depth and chatoyance; polyurethane for durability. Requires little staining due to natural color.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp contrast between the creamy sapwood and chocolate heartwood, coupled with the semi-ring-porous grain structure visible in the bowl interior, is diagnostic of Black Walnut.