Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with clear wavy/curly figure and cathedral patterns in the flat-sawn sections; medium texture with semi-ring-porous arrangement.
Color Description
Rich dark brown heartwood with hints of grey and purple; sapwood is pale yellow-grey. Shows distinct chatoyancy (luster) in the figured areas; tends to lighten in color and take on a golden hue with age/UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay/rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, musical instruments, and specialty woodturning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot for figured/select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years old) based on the freshness of the machining marks, lack of deep oxidation or patina, and sharp edges.
Sustainability Status
Generally sustainable and not listed by CITES or the IUCN as threatened; widely available and common in FSC certified stocks.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well. Irregular grain can occasionally cause tearout during planing if not careful.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability. Dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the depth of the grain; clear lacquer also works well for a high-gloss look.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown color, porous structure, and characteristic figure is diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.