Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Shows distinct cathedral grain on the flat-sawn face with some irregular waving near a knot; grain is generally straight but can be irregular.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. The wood tends to lighten over time with 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 trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be freshly cut or rough-milled stock (indicated by surface checks and rough texture) rather than an aged antique piece.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally exhibit tear-out in figured areas. It has a faint, characteristic odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild scent when worked; high tannin content; known for its stability and beautiful finishing qualities.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Danish oil or tung oil are recommended to enhance natural figure, followed by polyurethane or lacquer for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood color transition, cathedral grain structure, and visible surface checking are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.