Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but frequently shows wavy or curly figure; the sample displays a classic cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face with fine, open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale creamy white. This sample shows the characteristic rich, dark patina that results from natural aging and oxidation, which typically lightens slightly over decades if exposed to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay although susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and widening.
Wood Age Estimate
The deep oxidation and settled color suggest a piece of lumber that has been dried and aged for at least 5-10 years, though the tree itself was likely 50-80 years old at harvest.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; it glues, stains, and finishes very well. It is known for its ability to hold sharp edges and detail.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant, mild odor when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some. Renowned for its dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Tung or Danish oil) to highlight the grain, or a clear polyurethane/lacquer to preserve the deep brown tones without yellowing.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep chocolate brown coloring, distinctive semi-porous grain structure, and the specific curvature of the growth ring 'cathedral' figure are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.