Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight grain with some cathedral peaks and slight irregularity near the sapwood line; medium texture with open pores and moderate natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light grey-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; sapwood is creamy white to pale yellowish-grey. Heartwood typically goldens or lightens over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay/rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneers, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality/width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced material based on the lack of oxidation on the sapwood and sharp, clean edges; likely from a tree 40-70 years old.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not CITES listed and classified by IUCN as Least Concern. FSC certification is widely available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections. Sensitive individuals may react to walnut dust.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; known for excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and shellac to enhance depth; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp contrast between the creamy sapwood and chocolate heartwood, coupled with the specific pore structure and grain orientation, is classic for Juglans nigra.