American Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but often irregular with moderate figuring and occasional wavy or curly grain. This sample shows a fairly uniform straight to slightly wavy grain with moderate texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to white. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack (specifically powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Central and Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; surface shows light oxidation and mechanical sanding marks suggesting it is a recently surfaced board (under 5 years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it has a faint, characteristic odor while being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned. The dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung oil, linseed oil) which enhance the depth of the dark grain. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for surfaces requiring high durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, and subtle luster are indicative of North American Black Walnut.