Black Walnut — Juglans nigra

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1010 lbf, Medium
Durability
Durable, offering good decay and rot resistance with moderate insect deterrence.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Take Wood Identifier with you

Snap a photo and identify any wood species in seconds.

Download Wood Identifier on the App StoreGet Wood Identifier on Google Play

Grain Pattern

Irregular swirl pattern featuring a dense cluster of prominent burl eyes and chaotic grain formations.

Color & Appearance

Rich dark brown heartwood with lighter grayish-brown sapwood streaks, showing high contrast and warm luster.

Hardness (Janka)

1010 lbf, Medium

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable, offering good decay and rot resistance with moderate insect deterrence.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

15.00 to 45.00 USD per board foot equivalent for figured burl veneer sheets.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Estimated at 20-50 years based on oxidation and dry veneer handling marks.

Common Uses

High-end furniture, architectural millwork, decorative veneer, gunstocks, and musical instrument accents.

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Prone to tearout around chaotic burl eyes, requiring sharp tooling, careful hand planing, and sanding.

Finish Recommendations

Takes clear oil finishes, lacquer, and polyurethane exceptionally well to accentuate depth and figure.

Notable Features

Exhibits highly prized decorative burl clusters and rich chatoyance under direct light.

Learn more about Black Walnut in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified November 4, 2026