Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mainly straight grain with some cathedral figure visible in the bottom left; semi-porous texture with moderate natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a creamy light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-gray. This sample shows significant oxidation and darkening from age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay even in unfavorable conditions. Moderate resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
40-60 years; based on the heavy patina, surface scratches, oxidation levels, and wear on the finish suggesting a mid-20th century piece of furniture.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC-certified sources are widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds nails and screws securely. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tear-out.
Notable Features
Faint, slightly spicy odor when worked. Contains moderate tannins. Highly valued for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) which enhance the depth of the dark grain. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for surfaces requiring high durability like the tabletop shown.
Identification Confidence
High; the color range, walnut-specific cathedral figure, and diffuse-porous grain structure are characteristic of Juglans nigra, particularly in an older furniture context.