Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a medium-coarse texture; exhibits a faint wavy figure or "cathedral" pattern common in flat-sawn cuts.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light grayish brown to dark chocolate brown. This sample shows a muted, grayish-brown hue typical of kiln-dried walnut that has not been steamed. It will lighten and develop a more golden-brown patina with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, flooring, and small specialty turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recent (likely less than 5 years old based on the clean surface, lack of deep oxidation, and contemporary surfacing).
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent; works well with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout when planing irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive nutty scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; known for its exceptional dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (such as linseed or tung oil) which deepen the color; also finishes well with clear lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac.
Identification Confidence
High. The color palette, characteristic pore structure visible in the grain, and the specific transition of shades are classic indicators of American Black Walnut.