Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a semi-ring-porous structure; exhibits a coarse but uniform texture. Visible streaks of darker grain following growth rings.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood; sapwood is pale yellow-gray and clearly demarcated. The color typically lightens and becomes more honey-toned with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (varies by grade and region)
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern rough-sawn lumber with light surface oxidation, likely cut within the last 5-10 years based on the dryness and surface color.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally exhibit tear-out in pieces with irregular grain patterns.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its moderate weight and excellent dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to highlight natural luster. Polyurethane and lacquer also work well, but may mask the organic feel.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, open-pored grain texture, and specific darkening pattern are quintessential markers of Juglans nigra.