Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features prominent cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections with semi-open pores and occasionally wavy or curly figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. It 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 susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (5-10 years); shows typical kiln-dried coloration with minimal oxidation or surface wear indicative of antique reclaimed material.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally have figured grain that causes tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant. Highly prized for its unique dark natural color among temperate hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to Danish oil, tung oil, or polyurethane to enhance depth. Shellac is also used for a classic French polish look.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-to-semi-ring-porous structure, and specific cathedral grain pattern are diagnostic of Juglans nigra.