Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture with moderate pore size. This flat-sawn sample shows some subtle cathedral-like arching and ripple figure on the far left edge.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a creamy off-white. The wood develops a lustrous patina and tends to lighten slightly to a more golden brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable and very resistant to heartwood decay; susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles/termites).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for Select/Better grade surfaced lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently surfaced with visible tool marks/scuffing, likely 1-5 years post-processing, though the raw log age cannot be determined.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable; FSC certification is widely available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have grain tearout in figured sections. Walnut is known for holding stains and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Moderate weight and high steam-bending qualities. Dust can be a sensitizer/irritant; contains juglone, which is toxic to certain plant species.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural figure, or clear polyurethane/lacquer for durable protection. No pre-stain is usually needed due to naturally rich color.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, and typical growth ring patterns are strongly indicative of North American Black Walnut.