Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but can be irregular; large open pores typical of semi-ring-porous wood, seen here as dark streaks in a flat-sawn orientation.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it lightens slightly with a golden-yellow hue.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, flooring, and specialty turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be determined accurately from image; surface oxidation suggests a matured cut with standard air-dry or kiln-dry processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though the large pores may require filling for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep color; clear lacquers or polyurethane are recommended for higher durability applications.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, dark pore streaks, and grain flow are diagnostic of American Black Walnut.