Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features prominent cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections and occasional curly or wavy figure as seen in this sample.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Grayish-purple casts are common. Sapwood is a pale off-white. Color tends to lighten and become more golden-yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay although susceptible to insect attack (especially Lyctid powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width; architectural grade veneer is valued higher.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (0-5 years); the surface shows a clear, modern film finish and uniform sanding typical of contemporary luxury furniture or paneling.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally. Can occasionally have tearout in areas with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; high chatoyance; relatively light weight for its strength; known for holding its shape well after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Wiped-on oils (boiled linseed or tung) to provide depth, followed by lacquer or polyurethane for protection. Water-based finishes can make the wood look 'cold'; solvent-based finishes are preferred for warmth.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate tones, characteristic pore structure, and classic cathedral grain pattern are quintessential markers of North American Black Walnut.