Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or curly figure; texture is medium and the grain is typically open-pored.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Typically ranges from $10.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a mature log based on the bark thickness and texture, likely 40-60 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color, or clear topcoats like polyurethane or lacquer for protection.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the identification is based on the visible bark characteristics (deeply furrowed, dark gray-brown) and the warm brown wood exposed in the crack.