Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows prominent cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces and fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellowish-white and is often steamed in commercial production to darken it.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently milled; the high contrast between the pale sapwood and dark heartwood suggests the wood hasn't undergone significant UV oxidation yet.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and holds nails/screws effectively. It has a faint, characteristic odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive chocolate-colored heartwood, mild pleasant scent when cut, rich in tannins, and exhibits excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are preferred to enhance the natural depth and richness of the dark grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp transition between the creamy sapwood and the rich chocolate-brown heartwood, combined with the grain pore structure, is iconic for Juglans nigra.