Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a semi-diffuse porous structure. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the right and a tighter linear grain on the left. Grain is moderately open with a medium texture.
Color Description
Rich dark brown heartwood with chocolate and coffee tones and slight purple/gray casting. The sample exhibits minimal sapwood. Unlike most woods, walnut tends to lighten over time with UV exposure, becoming more golden-brown.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, it is susceptible to being attacked by insects.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, gunstocks, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/surfaced stock. The visible planer marks and lack of oxidation or deep patina suggest this was recently processed from air-dried or kiln-dried lumber.
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. One of the best woods for machining, carving, and hand tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout on highly figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an allergen for some. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Dries well with all finishes. Boiled linseed oil or Tung oil are recommended to enhance the natural depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore structure visible in the surface, and specific grain movement are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.