Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a characteristic cathedral pattern visible in the flat-sawn face; medium texture with semi-ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or grayish streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellowish-gray (not visible on this specific cut). It tends to lighten or develop a golden-brown patina with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Southern Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade (Select & Better).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; the surface shows machine-planed tool marks and lacks deep oxidation or historic seasoning, likely cut and dried within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and considered sustainable, though growth rates are slow.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues and finishes well, and holds nails/screws. It is known for its stability and minimal shrinkage.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild and pleasant scent when worked. Contains juglone (a chemical that can cause respiratory irritation in some). High luster and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer to protect the color, or drying oils (linseed/tung) to enhance the depth of the grain. A blond shellac sealer is often used to prevent grain darkening.
Identification Confidence
High; the rich brown coffee-like hue, specific cathedral grain structure, and the characteristic pore distribution are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.