Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with some cathedral figure visible on the face; fine, medium texture; rift-sawn to flat-sawn orientation is evident in this narrow stock.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich, dark chocolate brown with purplish-black streaks. Sapwood (visible on the thin edge) is pale yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten or develop a golden-brown patina with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on local availability and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and recently milled. The light oxidation suggests it hasn't been sitting in a finished state for many years, though the tree itself was likely 50-80 years old at harvest.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes a high-quality finish. It can sometimes show tearout on figured pieces, but this piece appears straight-grained enough to avoid issues.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung oil, boiled linseed oil) which deepen the chocolate tones. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood color contrasted with the thin creamy sapwood edge and the specific grain pore structure are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.