Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; featured here with a semi-ring-porous structure showing clear growth rings and some wavy/figured potential near knots or crotches.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white. This sample shows a distinct dark heartwood core with lighter outer sapwood ring.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, 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 parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently harvested (green); shows high moisture content and sharp chainsaw marks with no significant oxidation or patina on the cross-section.
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 workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; finishes to a high luster. Can have some tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when cut. Contains juglone which can be an allergen for some. Known for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or clear polyurethane/lacquer to showcase natural depth. Sapwood may require staining if color uniformity is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate-brown heartwood color transition to white sapwood, combined with the visible pore structure and bark texture, is characteristic of Juglans nigra.