Black Walnut (Sapwood and transition heartwood)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with cathedral patterns; features a few prominent knots and some minor swirling/interlocked grain around defects. Some small mineral streaks and pith flecks are visible.
Color Description
Predominantly pale creamy-white sapwood with streaks of grayish-brown transition heartwood. The wood shows moderate luster and will typically yellow or amber slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is very durable; sapwood (shown primarily here) is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on heartwood-to-sapwood ratio and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh stock, likely kiln-dried or air-dried within the last 1-3 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
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; planes and sands easily. The small knots may cause minor tearout if blades are not sharp.
Notable Features
Features a faint, characteristic mildly spicy scent when worked. Walnut is known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; clear oils or polyurethanes are recommended to highlight the natural contrast between the sapwood and darker streaks.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous structure, specific pale sapwood color, characteristic knot morphology, and dark mineral streaks is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.