Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible cathedral patterning and slight wavy figure in specific regions; flat-sawn orientation showing semi-porous texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium grayish-brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows typical raw state coloration which will darken to a deep chocolate brown with finish and eventually lighten to a golden brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade (Select & Better).
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or sanded; raw surface shows fresh sawdust and no significant oxidation or UV-induced patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can occasionally produce tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant. Known for excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oil or Danish oil to enhance the natural color; polyurethane for high-wear surfaces; shellac serves well as a sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the grayish-brown heartwood color, semi-porous grain structure, and the specific cathedral figure is characteristic of Juglans nigra.