Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and figured; shows cathedral patterns and crotch-like swirling towards the limb intersections. Features wavy and semi-interlocked grain with apparent natural chatoyance.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich, creamy chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellowish-tan. It shows high luster and will typically lighten slightly or become more golden-brown upon prolonged UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and high-end woodturning/bowls.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot for figured or live-edge slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
The raw sample appears to be from a tree approximately 30-50 years old based on the growth ring density and limb diameter. The finished surface looks fresh (under 5 years old).
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, holds glue and nails excellently, and takes a very high polish. Figured areas may require light scraping to avoid tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some. High shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (Tung or Linseed) or wiping varnishes are best to enhance the depth of the figure. A dewaxed shellac sealer followed by satin polyurethane is also common.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the dark chocolate heartwood contrasting with the light sapwood, the specific bark texture (deeply furrowed/diamond pattern), and the grain figure is characteristic of Juglans nigra.