Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face; some slight irregularities and a medium texture characteristic of walnut.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-gray. This sample shows a medium-toned brown likely enhanced by a finish, with a soft luster.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years. The oxidation and the style of the finish suggest a mid-to-late 20th-century furniture piece.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, stains, and finishes excellently. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, mild spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; clear lacquer or polyurethane for protection. Often requires no stain due to natural beauty.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible cathedral grain pattern, pore structure, and the characteristic transition of brown tones are hallmark indicators of flat-sawn Black Walnut.