Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but variable; can feature wavy or curly grain, or highly figured crotch and burl patterns. Pores are semi-ring-porous.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, wood lightens slightly and develops a rich patina.
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, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree shown exhibits deeply furrowed, mature bark typical of a specimen between 40 to 70 years old.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; not CITES listed and classified on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern. FSC certified lumber is widely available.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, holds screws and nails expertly, and sands to a high natural luster.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant for some people and toxic to certain plants. Known for exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and lacquers to enhance natural color and chatoyance. Does not require staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the deeply furrowed, dark, diamond-patterned 'corky' bark is a classic diagnostic feature of mature Juglans nigra.