Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with wavy or curly figure. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral-like pattern with fine, uniform texture and visible small vessel pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a distinct pale yellowish-gray to nearly white, as clearly seen in the upper and lower bands of this freshly cut log section. Color tends to lighten/yellow 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 trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figured quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested; bark is still attached and the wood shows high moisture and lack of oxidation/patina, likely cut within the last few weeks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available from managed forests.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though the dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants and irritating to some woodworkers. Known for its world-class dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Danish or Tung oil) beautifully highlight the grain. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for durability in high-wear applications. No pre-conditioners required.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic sharp contrast between the creamy sapwood and the coffee-colored heartwood, combined with the bark texture and pore structure, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.