Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
The grain is typically straight but can be irregular with occasional wavy or curly figure; the sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with visible open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows the characteristic deep brown tones often enhanced by finishing.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with a contemporary dark stain or oil finish; estimated 5-20 years since milling based on lack of heavy oxidation or wear marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. It can occasionally experience grain tearout during planing if the grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Features a faint, mild scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oils (tung or linseed), polyurethane for durability, or shellac. Transparent finishes are recommended to showcase the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate color, distinct open-pore structure, and cathedral grain pattern are quintessential characteristics of North American Black Walnut.