Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but occasionally with wavy or curly figure near crotches; semi-ring-porous with a medium texture
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown, sometimes with a purplish or reddish cast. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellowish-white. Darkens and becomes more lustrous with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack (sapwood)
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, flooring, interior trim, and 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 figure
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested logs (0-2 months old) based on the bright sapwood, lack of oxidation/graying, and fresh chainsaw cuts.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone which can be an allergen for some. Known for exceptional dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection without significantly altering the natural dark tones.
Identification Confidence
High: The deeply furrowed, dark grayish-brown bark ('diamond' pattern), the sharp contrast between creamy sapwood and dark chocolate heartwood, and the semi-ring-porous end grain are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.