Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly figured burl or crotch grain, book-matched at the center seam, showing irregular, wavy, and swirled patterns
Color Description
Rich, dark chocolate brown heartwood with hints of amber and lighter tan; exhibits high chatoyance and luster under finish; likely to lighten slightly over time with UV exposure
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and moderately resistant to insects
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer, architectural paneling, gunstocks, and high-end musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot for high-figured burl/crotch veneer grade
Wood Age Estimate
Veneer appears to be from a mid-20th-century piece of furniture (approx. 40-70 years old) based on color depth and finish oxidation
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable with FSC options
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; however, the highly irregular grain seen here is prone to tear-out during surfacing
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant walnut scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild allergen for some; high concentration of natural oils and tannins
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or shellac to enhance chatoyance, followed by a high-quality lacquer or polyurethane for protection
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive dark heartwood, pore structure, and characteristic 'book-matched' burl/crotch figure are diagnostic of Black Walnut furniture veneer.