Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight but typically features deep cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections; this small sample shows visible growth rings suggesting a flat-sawn orientation.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. It may have a greyish, purple, or reddish cast. It tends to lighten and yellow with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary cut, likely derived from kiln-dried dimensional lumber within the last 5-10 years based on crisp edges and lack of deep oxidation/patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; however, Thousand Cankers Disease is a regional concern.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it has a faint distinct odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (like Danish oil or Tung oil) to enhance deep colors, or clear polyurethane for durability in high-wear use cases.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous structure visible on the end grain, and typical growth ring spacing are highly indicative of American Black Walnut.