Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight but frequently wavy or irregular; exhibits medium to coarse texture with open pores. Some cathedral figure is visible on the flat-sawn face.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a creamy white/yellow. Color tends to lighten and take on a golden hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely air or kiln-dried within the last 1-5 years based on the crisp surface texture and lack of deep oxidation or reclaimed wear marks.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Widely available and not CITES restricted.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues, and finishes excellently. Can occasionally produce tearout in pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Contains moderate tannins. It is a known sensitizer and can cause skin/respiratory irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Best with penetrating oils, shellac, or clear lacquer to enhance the natural dark color and chatoyance. Polyurethane is recommended for high-wear areas like flooring.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown color, distinct grain structure with open pores, and the contrast with the lighter sapwood on the edge are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.