Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; featured in this sample as a mix of flat-sawn cathedral patterns and subtle wavy figure. Open-pored texture is visible beneath the dark finish.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown. This sample shows significant darkening due to age and likely a dark stain or oil finish. It exhibits medium luster with a rich, satiny appearance where the finish remains.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years; based on the heavy oxidation, deep patina, surface scratches, and the buildup of grime in the grain typical of mid-century domestic furniture.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably throughout its range.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes finishes beautifully, though its open grain may require filling for a glass-smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; prized for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or wiping varnishes to enhance the natural depth and chatoyance. For this aged sample, a light sanding and re-application of a satin polyurethane or wax would restore the sheen.
Identification Confidence
High; the semi-porous grain structure, characteristic dark chocolate heartwood tones peering through the distressed finish, and the specific 'cathedral' bloom in the flat-sawn sections are classic indicators of North American Black Walnut.