Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with occasional wavy and irregular patterns. The face grain shows visible growth ring curves and minor cathedral patterns, with some checking (cracks) following the radial planes.
Color Description
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with some purplish and grey streaks. The wood typically develops a lighter, golden-brown patina with exposure to ultraviolet light over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood sample appears to be modern, kiln-dried stock, likely cut within the last 1-5 years. There are fresh saw marks and no significant oxidation or deep wear patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with widespread FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands easily, takes glue and stains well, though it can produce a distinct dusty residue that acts as a mild sensitizer.
Notable Features
Features a distinct faint, nutty scent when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant. High shock resistance and dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance the natural dark color and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for added protection and durability.
Identification Confidence
High. The chocolate-brown chocolate color, characteristic grain structure of the Juglans genus, and visible earlywood/latewood transitions are hallmark indicators of Black Walnut.