Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with wavy or curly grain. This sample shows occasional ripples and a cathedral-like figure towards the center.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Color can sometimes have a grey, purple, or reddish cast. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Ages to a golden brown over time and with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack. Excellent dimensional stability.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and clear grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/Recent; lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina suggests the board was surfaced within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, though figured areas may require care to avoid tearout. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Faint, mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its rich color and excellent shock resistance. Dust can be a mild sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung oil, linseed oil) to pop the grain, or polyurethane and lacquer for added protection. Dewaxed shellac is also common.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate brown hue, open pore structure, and specific grain transition between the earlywood and latewood are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.