Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and open, but showing cathedral patterns and irregular swirls in this flat-sawn sample. Some evidence of figured crotch or wavy grain is visible near the knot/void area.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; the sample shows a creamy white sapwood transition. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with age and exposure to UV.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding rot resistance; however, it is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young or freshly milled lumber (late 20th to early 21st century) based on the sharp edges and lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Occasional tearout can occur in pieces with irregular grain patterns.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; contain juglone (mild toxin); known for exceptional dimensional stability and fine finishing characteristics.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or clear coats like polyurethane and lacquer to highlight the natural grain without muddying the dark heartwood.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, distinct creamy sapwood, pore structure, and classic cathedral grain figure is characteristic of American Black Walnut.