Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but can be irregular; features a medium texture with moderate natural luster; may exhibit cathedral patterns or crotch figure in larger logs.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden-brown to a deep chocolate brown with dark brown streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. Color 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 paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade; higher for figured pieces.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut log (0-1 year), evidenced by high moisture content, intact thin bark with lenticels, and visible sap/resin near the knot.
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; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally produce tearout in pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; recognized for its exceptional dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) are highly recommended to enhance natural depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer works well for durability.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the thin brown bark with prominent white lenticels and the characteristic dark heartwood visible at the split/knot are indicative of Walnut, though some Hickory species share similar bark traits in youth.