Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular or wavy. This sample shows a prominent knot with swirl figure and tight growth rings typical of slow-growing heartwood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is creamy white (not visible here due to dark stain/finish). Darkens to a golden brown with age/UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, and high-end decorative turnery.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central United States and Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approx. $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be a piece of modern rustic decor (approx. 5-20 years old) attempting to mimic an aged, hand-hewn beam through mechanical adze-marking.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, though knots (as seen in image) can cause local grain tearout.
Notable Features
Faint, mild nutty scent when worked. High tannin content. Relatively lightweight for its strength with excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil or wiping varnish to highlight chatoyance. This specific sample has a dark pigment stain and a semi-matte topcoat.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the dark heartwood color, the specific internal structure of the knot, and the coarse texture are hallmarks of North American Walnut.