Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with characteristic cathedral patterns and some wavy figure; grain is generally straight but can be irregular towards knots or burls
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. The visible sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, flooring, gunstocks, turned items, and musical instruments
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
The sample appears to be freshly milled or rough-cut stock, likely less than 5 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in its native range
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in figured areas
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone, which can be a mild irritant; prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to highlight depth, or clear polyurethane/lacquer for durability while preserving the natural dark tones
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep chocolate heartwood, starkly contrasting sapwood, and specific cathedral grain patterns are diagnostic for North American Black Walnut