Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but often irregular; this sample shows a cross-cut end grain with tight growth rings and a likely crotch or branch attachment figure based on the thick bark interface.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically medium to dark brown, sometimes with a purplish cast. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows significant oxidation and weathering, giving it a muted, grayish-brown hue.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; as a small raw branch piece/scrap, value is negligible ($1-$2).
Wood Age Estimate
The branch/trunk section appears to be from a limb roughly 5-10 years old. The cut itself shows weathering and dirt accumulation, suggesting it has been exposed to the elements for 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes finishes exceptionally. It can have a mild dulling effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some. Known for exceptional dimensional stability and high shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance the natural dark color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection and depth of grain.
Identification Confidence
Medium; based on the deeply furrowed, thick 'chocolate' bark characteristic of Juglans nigra and the dark, diffuse-porous appearance of the weathered end-grain, though the small size and weathering make absolute confirmation difficult without a fresh cut.