Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral-like pattern with some slight wave and a medium-coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. The wood tends to lighten and become more golden-brown as it ages and is exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack (especially powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and small specialty turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $15.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern. The clean edges and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear suggest contemporary stock rather than antique or reclaimed material.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, and finishes excellently. It has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. The dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be toxic to some other plants; prized for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or wiping varnishes highlights the chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear areas. Does not require staining as its natural color is highly valued.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate-brown hue, grain structure, and the contrast against the OSB background are hallmarks of North American Black Walnut.