Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. This split log sample shows a coarse, open-grain texture with some wavy fiber orientation common in branch or crotch sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden-brown to a deep chocolate brown, sometimes with purple or grey streaks. Sapwood is a creamy yellowish-white. The wood develops a rich patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
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 wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; higher for figured slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split green wood; based on the moisture visible in the fibers and the intact, non-degraded bark, the tree was likely felled within the last 3-6 months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It machines easily and glues, stains, and finishes well, though it has a moderate dulling effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some. Known for its excellent dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to penetrating oils (like Tung or Linseed) to highlight the grain, or clear polyurethane for durability. Shellac is also traditionally used.
Identification Confidence
High; the deeply furrowed, dark, diamond-patterned bark combined with the characteristic chocolate-colored heartwood and contrasting pale sapwood are diagnostic for Juglans nigra.