Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but often irregular; end grain shows semi-ring-porous structure with distinct growth rings and occasional burl or figured patterns near branch junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. The wood develops a rich patina and lightens slightly 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 items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly felled or recently cut (0-6 months) based on the bright sapwood and presence of moisture-rich sawdust and intact bark.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources exist.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone (a mild toxin); known for high dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to clear oils (Linseed or Tung) and polyurethane to enhance natural depth; sanding to high grits is recommended to showcase grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the dark chocolate heartwood contrast with creamy sapwood, coupled with the characteristic rough bark texture and semi-ring-porous end grain, is telltale for Juglans nigra.