Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with semi-porous end grain as visible in the cross-section.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows deep oxidation and the rich, dark tones typical of heartwood.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be seasoned heartwood, likely cut within the last 5-10 years based on the crispness of the fibers and surface oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It machines, glues, and finishes well, though irregular grain can occasionally cause tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural color; polyurethane provides durability for furniture. No special preparation needed as it takes stains and finishes very evenly.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the rich chocolate-brown heartwood color, the semi-porous end grain texture, and the way the wood fibers have splintered is characteristic of Juglans nigra.