Black Walnut (with lighter contrasting inlay)
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable (Good resistance to decay, moderate resistance to insect attack)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Rich irregular and wavy face grain with fine texture, showing pronounced chatoyance and figure typical of premium furniture veneers.
Color & Appearance
Deep rich chocolate brown heartwood with darker streaks, showing significant warm patina and amber aging over time. The contrasting diamond inlay is a lighter wood species like maple or satinwood.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (Good resistance to decay, moderate resistance to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $15.00+ per board foot for lumber; considerably higher for figured veneer grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 50 to 100 years old, based on the deep amber oxidation, surface patina, and traditional diamond inlay craftsmanship.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally sustainable and widely available domestically.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and decorative inlays.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though irregular grain can occasionally cause minor tearout during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and varnish exceptionally well, enhancing the natural chatoyance and deep rich color.
Notable Features
Prized for its rich natural dark color, excellent dimensional stability, and beautiful shock resistance relative to its weight.
