Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a medium-coarse texture; the sample exhibits a rift-sawn to flat-sawn appearance with subtle cathedral peaks visible and small knots/pith markings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to a dark chocolate brown; the sample shows a characteristic cool brown tone with grey undertones. It typically lightens and yellows slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (under 10 years), showing fresh surfacing with some minor surface oxidation/dust and typical handling marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; planes and sands well, holds glue and nails effectively, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, bittersweet spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some; renowned for its excellent Dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed), polyurethane for durability, or shellac. A clear coat is recommended to preserve the natural brown depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the specific grey-brown chocolate hue, open pore structure, and characteristic small dark knots is classic for North American Black Walnut.