Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Common figures include curly, crotch, and burl. Semi-porous texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to white. Color tends to lighten and become more golden 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, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for standard 4/4 lumber; higher for figured pieces.
Wood Age Estimate
N/A - The image displays living trees in a forest setting rather than a processed wood sample.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or tung oil to enhance natural color; polyurethane for durability. Darker stains are rarely used as the natural color is highly prized.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. Based on the bark texture of the foreground trees, branching structure, and leaf morphology visible against the sky, which are characteristic of Juglans nigra in an Appalachian-style environment.