Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with visible cathedral transitions; flat-sawn orientation showing semi-porous texture and faint growth ring definitions.
Color Description
Dark chocolate brown heartwood with purplish undertones and lighter tan streaks; some sun-bleached areas showing gray/white oxidation and a duller luster due to surface wear.
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, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The surface shows 40-60 years of age based on the depth of oxidation, specific scratch patterns, and visible accumulation of surface grime within the grain.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed, though slow-growing. FSC certified stock is common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured boards.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen; noted for exceptional dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Deep-penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance chatoyance, followed by lacquer or polyurethane for protection from moisture and light.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, and specific cathedral figuring are definitive hallmarks of North American Black Walnut.