Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral figure with some slight curl and swirling around small knots.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows a medium chocolate tone with some oxidation and light-induced fading.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (specifically powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from modern kiln-dried stock, likely 10-30 years old based on the oxidation of the machined surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes extremely well, though it has a distinct odor when machined.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural color. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for high-wear surfaces like tables or flooring.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, semi-ring-porous grain structure, and typical cathedral pattern are classic diagnostic features of North American Black Walnut.