Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but sometimes irregular or wavy; notable for subtle cathedral patterns in flat-sawn pieces and fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Often darkens with age but may lighten over decades if exposed to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (5-20 years), based on the uniform surface texture and contemporary finish sheen.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes smoothly, glues well, and takes a high polish. Can have occasional tearout with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; known for superb dimensional stability and high shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for durability in high-use areas.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deep chocolate tones, pore structure visible in the grain, and characteristic warmth suggest Walnut, though the warm lighting makes it appear slightly more amber than raw heartwood.