Black Walnut (Hollow Log / Heart Rot Sample)
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Midwestern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium) for sound wood; central heartwood is compromised/soft due to decay.
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable in solid condition, but this specific sample exhibits extensive fungal decay and heart rot.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular growth rings visible on end grain cross-section around the central hollow void.
Color & Appearance
Pale tan-cream outer sapwood contrasting with a dark chocolate brown to purplish heartwood that is heavily rotted, decayed, and hollowed out at the core.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium) for sound wood; central heartwood is compromised/soft due to decay.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable in solid condition, but this specific sample exhibits extensive fungal decay and heart rot.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.00 - $5.00 per board foot equivalent in log form due to central hollowness and rot damage.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Tree was likely 40-70 years old based on bark thickness and growth layer density; log section cut recently (1-3 years old).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Live-edge turning blanks, hollow vessel woodturning, rustic craft projects, resin/epoxy casting fill projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Midwestern North America
Workability
Outer solid ring cuts well with turning tools or saws; interior rotted punk wood breaks down easily and requires stabilization with CA glue or resin before turning or machining.
Finish Recommendations
Epoxy resin fill for structural stabilization followed by penetrating oil (danish oil, tung oil) or wipe-on polyurethane to preserve contrasting sapwood and decay character.
Notable Features
Significant central hollow void caused by heart rot fungi; sharp contrast between light sapwood and dark brown heartwood; thick coarse bark shell remaining intact.
