Black Walnut (featured prominently as the central dark board, alongside light sapwood and another contrasting wood strip)
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable (Good decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attacks in sapwood)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with medium-coarse texture and distinct open pores visible along the face grain.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to grayish-brown heartwood in the center, bordered by a creamy white sapwood strip on the left and a warm medium-brown wood species on the right.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (Good decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attacks in sapwood)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $15.00+ per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent milled stock, estimated at less than 5 to 10 years old based on clean edges and lack of deep oxidation patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available from sustainably managed domestic forests (FSC certified sources exist).
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, interior paneling, and decorative turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; glues, stains, and finishes well, though open pores may require grain filler for a perfectly smooth surface.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, lacquer, shellac, and polyurethane finishes exceptionally well to accentuate its deep natural chatoyance and rich color tones.
Notable Features
Prized for its rich, dark color and smooth finishing qualities; stable dimensional properties once properly dried.