Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible cathedral patterns and faint wavy figure; flat-sawn orientation showing typical growth ring curves.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich, dark chocolate brown with an amber hue from the aged finish. Sapwood would be pale yellow-gray but is likely stained or excluded. Displays moderate luster and will lighten slightly over time with heavy UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned items like bowls or trays.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Southern Ontario to Florida and west to the Great Plains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
30 to 50 years based on the oxidation of the finish, surface scratches, and typical mid-century modern style of the tray's carving.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though heartwood can occasionally cause tearout if the grain is figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen; noted for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes are recommended to highlight the depth of the grain. For this specific tray, a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax finish would be appropriate if restored.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous grain structure, classic chocolate-brown heartwood color, and the specific cathedral grain flow is highly characteristic of North American Black Walnut.