Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but featured here with wavy and irregular patterns including moderate cathedral grain and small burl/cluster figures near the base. The flat-sawn face shows a decorative, variegated grain structure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. It typically develops a lustrous patina over time, lightening slightly towards a golden-brown with UV exposure.
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
Musical instruments (especially electric guitar bodies), high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled and sanded. The lack of oxidation and sharp, non-rounded edges suggest the wood was harvested and processed within the last 1-2 years and has not yet been finished.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available through FSC certified sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes a high polish. Occasional tearout can occur in areas with irregular grain like the burls seen here.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and resonance properties for instruments. Minimal risk of sensitization but dust can be a mild irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or wiping varnishes to enhance the natural depth and grain. Avoid heavy stains that mask its natural character.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic milk-chocolate brown color, distinct grain sweeps, and specific figure patterns in this guitar body blank are classic hallmarks of Juglans nigra.