Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be irregular; features subtle cathedral patterns and fine, open pores. Often develops figured patterns like curl or crotch near junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Color tends to lighten toward a yellowish-brown over time with UV exposure. Low to medium luster.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments (guitar backs/sides).
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 20-40 years based on the deep oxidation of the finish and apparent natural darkening of the grain visible under the surface sheen.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available from FSC-certified sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Dimensional stability is high. Can occasionally experience tearout with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its moderate weight-to-strength ratio and excellent shock resistance. Fine, diffuse-porous structure.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance grain depth. Polyurethane or lacquer provides a durable topcoat. No wood filler usually required unless a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deep chocolate brown color, fine pore structure, and characteristic grain swirl on the curved edge are highly indicative of North American Black Walnut, though the image blur precludes a definitive end-grain analysis.