Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; some slight waviness visible in the rift-sawn orientation of the face.
Color Description
Heartwood is a purplish-brown/chocolate brown; the sample shows a cool grayish-brown oxidation characteristic of aged or air-dried walnut. Low natural luster in its current unfinished state.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be roughly 10-20 years old since milling based on the surface oxidation and the specific shade of grey-brown patina.
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 well, though it has a distinct odor when cut.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked; medium-high tannin content; known for excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or polyurethane are recommended to bring out the depth of the grain. High-gloss finishes enhance chatoyance once sanded to a high grit.
Identification Confidence
High; the open pore structure, characteristic color, and grain density are consistent with North American Black Walnut.