Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Displays cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections with a medium texture and moderate natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Often lightens over time with UV exposure unless finished with UV inhibitors.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary (likely 5-20 years based on surface texture and modern semi-gloss finish appearance).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. It has good dimensional stability.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oils (like linseed or tung oil) to enhance deep color, or polyurethane/lacquer for durability. Water-based finishes may make the wood look 'cold' or gray.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The dark chocolate hues and diffuse-porous grain visible under the finish are classic Walnut indicators, though dark stains on other hardwoods (like Maple or Birch) can mimic this appearance.