Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular or cathedral-like; features visible semi-porous grain and occasional dark streaks or swirls. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with some mineral streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Color can sometimes have a grey, purple, or reddish cast. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and small specialty wood objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot, depending on width, length, and figure characteristics.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently milled or planed, approximately 1-5 years old since harvest, showing minimal oxidation compared to seasoned antiques.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues easily, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. It is known for its dimensional stability.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its ability to produce a high natural luster and for having a unique dark pigment that lightens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) are highly recommended to enhance depth. Polyurethane or lacquer provides excellent protection for high-use surfaces like tables.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color paired with the specific pore structure and cathedral grain pattern is iconic for North American Black Walnut.