Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and open-pored, but can be irregular. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns on the top rail and straight to slightly wavy grain on the central panel.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is pale yellow-grey. Over time, it often lightens slightly to a golden brown with amber undertones when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figured quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years old based on the oxidation of the finish, the wear pattern in the grain/pores, and the specific style of the frame-and-panel construction.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. Generally widely available and sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent. It cycles through planers and saws easily, though it can have some tearout on figured sections. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Known for its moderate weight and strength-to-weight ratio. Contains juglone, which can cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provides better protection for high-use surfaces like this cabinet door.
Identification Confidence
High. The chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous structure visible in the panel, and the specific cathedral grain pattern on the top rail are diagnostic markers for North American Black Walnut.