Black Walnut (likely stained or naturally finished)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a fine, uniform texture; shows a faint cathedral figure typical of flat-sawn lumber
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. The sample shows a warm, medium-brown tone with subtle golden highlights and a medium luster under a film finish.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior paneling, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot (depending on grade and steaming process).
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on the oxidation visible in the darker recesses of the molding and the build-up of the surface finish patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable and widely available from managed forests.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though can produce allergic reactions in some users.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild odor when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild toxin; prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability (as seen in image), or tung oil/shellac to enhance the natural chatoyance and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pore structure, color transition, and grain density are characteristic of Juglans nigra, though the heavy surface finish can occasionally mask features common to stained Cherry or Alder.