Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. This sample shows a cathedral or flat-sawn pattern with moderate texture and some wavy figure transition.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray. It tends to lighten (become more golden) over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be seasoned milled lumber, likely 10-30 years old based on the oxidation of the open grain and the patina of the profiled molding.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, and finishes exceptionally. Can produce a mild allergic reaction via dust.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nutty scent when being worked. Known for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or clear grain-filling lacquers to highlight the natural depth and color.
Identification Confidence
High. The chocolate-brown heartwood color combined with the specific pore structure and grain transition seen in the molding profile is characteristic of North American Black Walnut.