Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight grain with some localized wavy/irregular sections and cathedral patterns. Large, open pores are visible on the surface.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. This sample shows a muted, grayish-brown tone typical of air-dried or weathered walnut.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era (0-10 years) based on visible machine planing marks and lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Can experience some grain tearout when planing irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild nutty scent when being worked; contains juglone, which can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Danish oil) or polyurethane to enhance the natural color and chatoyance. Shellac is also an excellent sealer.
Identification Confidence
High. The chocolate-brown color variations, diffuse-porous structure, and classic grain patterns are highly characteristic of Juglans nigra.