Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with visible growth rings; the end grain shows semi-ring-porous structure and central pith figure
Color Description
Creamy white sapwood with a distinct, chocolatey-brown heartwood. The heartwood will typically lighten with age and UV exposure, while the sapwood remains light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, the sapwood is susceptible to insect attack, as evidenced by the larval tunnels in the sample.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut log (within 1-2 years), showing minimal oxidation but significant active or recent insect boring activity in the sapwood.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues and finishes well, although the interlocked grain can occasionally cause tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; prized for its rich color and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes specifically to enhance the natural dark color; avoid heavy stains which can muddy the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High: The sharp contrast between the white sapwood and the dark brown heartwood, combined with the rough bark texture and semi-ring-porous end grain, is diagnostic of Black Walnut.