Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and open-pored, though occasionally irregular. The sample shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation with a tight, linear grain profile.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood. It exhibits a dull luster and typically lightens or turns yellowish/golden over time with UV exposure. Sapwood is typically a creamy white but is not visible on this narrow strip.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot, depending on regional availability and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years). The edges are sharp and the oxidation level suggests recent machining rather than a reclaimed or antique source.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available from FSC-certified sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though the open grain may require pore filling for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when being worked. Known for having high shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (Tung oil, Danish oil) or polyurethane are recommended to enhance the deep brown tones. Shellac or lacquer also work well.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate hue combined with the specific semi-ring-porous grain structure is characteristic of North American Black Walnut.