Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The sample shows a fine, straight to slightly wavy grain with a relatively coarse but uniform texture. Visible pore structure is characteristic of semi-ring porous walnut.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Color can sometimes have a grey, purple, or reddish cast. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to develop a golden-brown patina with exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade (Select/Better).
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the modern joinery styles and the oxidation of the unfinished internal surfaces, the piece appears to be 10-30 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable and widely available from FSC certified sources.
Workability
Exceptionally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes, turns, and sands well. It glues, stains, and finishes excellently, though it is usually left in its natural color.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Can cause skin/eye irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
High-quality Danish oil or tung oil finishes highlight its natural chatoyance. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for high-wear surfaces like table tops. Does not require grain filler if a natural look is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate-brown color, the specific pore distribution visible on the end/edge grain transitions, and the typical walnut patina in the unfinished areas are highly diagnostic of Juglans nigra.