Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but sometimes irregular or wavy; notable for its large pores and cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces. This sample shows some feathered and swirled grain near the base.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample displays significant chatoyancy and high luster.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, musical instruments, veneer, and wood turning (bowls).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly turned or recently finished; the wood lacks the lightened/grayed patina of historical walnut but shows deep oxidation typical of heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes have tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some; famous for its excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil, linseed oil, or polyurethane to enhance the natural dark tones. Food-safe mineral oil or beeswax is recommended for turned bowls used for food.
Identification Confidence
High. The chocolate-brown color, distinct grain structure with large open pores, and the presence of light-colored sapwood are diagnostic of Juglans nigra.