Black Walnut (with stain)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with subtle wavy figure and cathedral patterns typical of flat-sawn boards. Medium texture with semi-ring-porous structure visible.
Color Description
Heartwood is naturally a medium to dark chocolate brown, but this sample shows a rich reddish-amber stain. It exhibits moderate luster and would naturally darken/lighten slightly with UV exposure depending on the finish.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (e.g., powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior paneling, gunstocks, veneer, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot for select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible patina and the style of the finish suggest the sample is likely 20 to 40 years old, showing some minor surface scuffing characteristic of vintage furniture.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices; IUCN Red List category: Least Concern. Generally widely available and sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent. It is easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes extremely well, though it can occasionally produce tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and unique dark heartwood which is rare among temperate hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for the level of protection seen here. For a more natural look, tung oil or linseed oil are often used to enhance the grain depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The diffused pore structure, grain orientation, and the way the reddish-brown stain has sat in the grain are classic indicators of Walnut, though Cherry is a secondary possibility due to the orange hue.