Black Walnut (likely stained or naturally finished to a warm amber/orange)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a fine, uniform texture. This sample displays a flat-sawn face with a subtle, diffuse-porous appearance and very faint cathedral peaking.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood, though this specific piece shows a warm orange-brown hue common in finished walnut furniture. It possesses a satin luster and typically darkens further or develops a golden patina with age.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years old based on the surface oxidation, the style of the edge profile, and the sheen of the semi-gloss finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues and finishes exceptionally well, though the dust can be a mild irritant.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to some other plants. High dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Tung or Danish oil) to enhance grain depth, or a clear polyurethane/lacquer to protect the warm color shown here. Shellac is also an excellent traditional choice.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The pore structure and grain orientation is characteristic of Walnut, although the warm reddish-orange cast suggests a specific stain or aged oil finish often found on 'American Walnut' furniture.