Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Common figures include curly, crotch, and burl. Semi-ring-porous texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Darkens with age if finished naturally, but typically lightens over decades of light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
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 grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be determined from image due to low resolution and obscuring material.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Planing can occasionally cause tearout in figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like scent when being worked. Contains juglone which can be an irritant to some users.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed), shellac, or clear lacquer to preserve its natural deep color.
Identification Confidence
Low; the provided image is extremely blurry and obscured by a label, preventing a clear view of the grain or cellular structure. Identification is based on the visible dark brown hue and common commercial use.