Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or curly figure near limb junctions; semi-ring-porous structure visible in the log cross-section.
Color Description
Heartwood is a creamy to light chocolate brown in this fresh cut, which will darken to a rich coffee brown with age; sapwood is pale yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, primarily the Central United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; logs are valued lower based on yield and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the growth rings in the cross-section, the tree is approximately 25-30 years old; the log itself appears freshly cut (weeks to months).
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, though it has a faint distinct odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive nut-like scent when cut; contains juglone which can be toxic to certain plants; prized for its strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural figure; polyurethane for durability; or shellac for a traditional luster.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep chocolate heartwood, narrow sapwood, and the specific rough, deeply furrowed bark texture is characteristic of Juglans nigra.