Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or interlocked; provides a moderately coarse texture with occasional wavy or curly figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-grey to nearly white. Over time, it develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay although susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles).
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 Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the bark thickness and lichen growth, the tree likely stood for 40-60 years; the log appears recently felled (within 6 months) given the bark attachment.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. It can occasionally have surfaced tearout when grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some users and is toxic to some plant species. Known for dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) beautifully enhance the natural dark color and depth. Polyurethane or lacquer work well for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the deeply furrowed, dark 'diamond' pattern of the bark and the visible chocolate-brown heartwood in the background debris specifically identify Black Walnut.