Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a semi-porous texture, showing a typical flat-sawn cathedral and linear pattern with some visible vessel lines.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood, sometimes with a greyish or reddish cast. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray but not visible on this face. It tends to lighten and become more golden-brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut; the surface shows contemporary machining/sanding with minimal oxidation or patina suggesting it is a recently processed sample (likely under 5 years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds a screw or nail securely, though it can occasionally produce tearout in figured pieces.
Notable Features
Faint, mild, pleasant nutty odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; an oil-based finish (like Danish oil or Linseed oil) is often preferred to enhance the natural depth and richness of the color.
Identification Confidence
High; the color, grain structure, and visible pores are classic indicators of Juglans nigra, commonly known as American Black Walnut.