Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; featured here with a semi-cathedral pattern and small pin knots/cluster figure. Fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray. The sample shows a rich, dark patina typical of oxidation and potential light steaming. Walnut tends to lighten or become more golden-yellow with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and figure (FAS grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely 5-20 years since harvest; surface exhibits clean machine-planed finish with moderate oxidation consistent with indoor storage.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options available.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; takes stains and finishes very well. Can occasionally have surface tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Fine dust can be a respiratory irritant and contains juglone, which is toxic to some plants.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to enhance depth; lacquer or polyurethane for protection. Best showcased with a clear finish to highlight the natural color and chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; visual combination of dark chocolate coloring, diffused-porous grain structure, and the presence of characteristic small walnut pin knots is highly diagnostic for Juglans nigra.