Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a medium-coarse texture. Visible cathedral patterns on the flat-sawn face and a pale sapwood edge typical of younger walnut lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich chocolate brown with dark streaks. Sapwood is distinct, pale yellowish-white. The color typically lightens or becomes more golden over time with exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Sapwood is non-durable and prone to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior paneling, gunstocks, veneer, flooring, and small specialty wooden objects.
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, length, and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to several months old; shows minimal oxidation or patina development. Surface suggests industrial planing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well. It can have a distinctive, mild scent when worked.
Notable Features
Faint, chocolate-like scent when cut. Known for its dimensional stability after seasoning. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some individuals and toxic to certain plants.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) which enhance the figure, as well as clear lacquers or polyurethanes. Does not require staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the contrast between the dark heartwood and creamy sapwood, coupled with the characteristic pore structure and grain flow, is highly indicative of Juglans nigra.