Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but often with wavy or curly figure; features distinct cathedral patterns when flat-sawn. Usually open-pored.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to white. Becomes more golden/lighter with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable concerning decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The furniture pieces visible suggest contemporary production (less than 20 years old) based on the uniform dark stain and modern hardware.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can exhibit tearout on pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, spicy scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and high chatoyance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to clear oils (linseed, tung) or polyurethane to accentuate the dark natural color and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; based on the grain structure and deep chocolate hue visible on the side table and furniture trim, which are classic indicators of Walnut.