Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, but can be irregular or wavy; commonly displays crotch, burl, or curly figure near limb junctions and knots as seen in the sample.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Wood darkens slightly with age but can lighten if over-exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly 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 Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure, thickness, and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a branch or small tree roughly 10-20 years old; the bark shows mature fissuring but the diameter suggests a younger limb.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly and glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in figured areas.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when worked; contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some; prized for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear natural finishes like linseed oil, tung oil, or polyurethane to highlight the chocolate tones; pores may require filling for a high-gloss finish.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deeply furrowed, dark 'chocolate' bark texture and the visual of the rough-cut end grain in the background are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.