Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with cathedral patterns appearing in flat-sawn areas. Includes some figure around knots and crotches, with a medium texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to deep chocolate brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white to tan. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled green wood slabs, likely less than 6 months since harvesting based on the presence of bark and lack of significant oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well. Minimal blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for dimension stability and shock resistance. Heartwood contains extractives that can inhibit plant growth (juglone).
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to enhance depth, or polyurethane for durable protection. Shellac or lacquer are also common.
Identification Confidence
High; the slabs show the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood and contrasting pale sapwood, flat-sawn cathedral grain, and typical live-edge characteristics of Juglans nigra.