Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can sometimes be irregular; this sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with some wavy grain variation.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample is relatively light, likely due to fresh surface oxidation or being cut from a lighter-toned log.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot, depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be kiln-dried and recently surfaced or planed; it shows minimal oxidation or patina, suggesting it was processed within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds stain and finishes excellently, though it can sometimes have tearout if the grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, mild scent when being worked; prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance; dust can be an irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Best with clear finishes like linseed oil or tung oil to enhance natural color; also takes polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac very well.
Identification Confidence
High; the color, cathedral grain pattern, and diffuse-porous texture are characteristic of Juglans nigra.