Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible curly/fiddleback figure (horizontal banding) and open-pore texture.
Color Description
Chocolate brown heartwood with darker streaks. Moderate luster and subtle chatoyance in the figured areas. Tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneers, musical instruments, and turned objects like pens.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot for figured/select grades.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (5-10 years); smooth turned finish suggests contemporary kiln-dried stock.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) finish or friction polish is recommended for pens to provide a high-gloss, durable protective layer.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown color, characteristic open grain, and prominent curly figure (fiddleback) is classic for American Black Walnut.