Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and open-pored, though sometimes wavy or curly. The sample shows a fine, regular grain typical of flat-sawn furniture legs.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. This sample shows a warm, medium-brown tone with a subtle satin luster. Walnut tends to lighten significantly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot, depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary (less than 10-15 years). The clean edges and modern finish suggest a piece of late 20th or 21st-century furniture.
Sustainability Status
Generally abundant and not CITES listed. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though some regional concerns exist regarding Thousand Cankers Disease.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores can require grain filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content. It is known for its exceptional dimensional stability and favorable strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung, linseed) or clear lacquers to highlight the natural grain. Polyurethane is recommended for high-wear surfaces like table legs.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate hue combined with the specific pore structure and grain orientation is characteristic of North American Black Walnut used in furniture construction.