Black Walnut Burl
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular burl figure characterized by numerous small knots (bird's eyes) and swirling, circular grain clusters with high chatoyancy.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich chocolate brown with dark streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows deep warm browns with darker 'eyes' and will typically lighten slightly or develop a golden hue over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though less resistant to insects than some tropical species.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, veneers, knife handles, musical instruments (especially guitar tops), automotive wood trim, and resin-pour ('river') tables.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $60.00 per board foot depending on figure density and size of the burl slab.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible wood likely comes from a tree that was 50-100 years old; the sample itself appears freshly processed/stabilized for immediate use in epoxy work.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Challenging due to highly irregular grain; prone to tear-out during planing. Glues and finishes exceptionally well. High resin content in epoxy setups compensates for natural voids.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an allergen for some. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer to protect the fragile burl structures, or high-gloss epoxy resins as shown in the sample to highlight chatoyancy.
Identification Confidence
High; the density of the burl clusters paired with the specific dark chocolate coloration and the live-edge transition is classic for American Black Walnut burl.