Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face; medium to coarse texture with semi-porous grain openings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is yellowish-gray to off-white. The sample shows a warm, muted brown patina that will likely lighten to a golden-brown over time with UV exposure.
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, interior trim, gunstocks, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada; widely cultivated in temperate regions.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade (values for 4/4 FAS grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recently milled (within 1-5 years) based on the lack of deep oxidation or heavy wear and the sharpness of the flat-sawn patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. Generally widely available and sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes have tearout in areas of irregular grain, but generally planes cleanly.
Notable Features
Faint, mild nutty scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and unique dark heartwood compared to other temperate hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or wiping varnish to highight natural color; polyurethane for durability. Darker stains are rarely needed but an oil-based finish is recommended to enhance depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct cathedral grain patterns combined with the specific chocolate-brown hue and pore structure are hallmark characteristics of Juglans nigra.