Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular; featured in this sample as a darker flat-sawn cathedral pattern with moderate open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows deep oxidation and likely a stain or oil finish, reducing luster.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay; susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (USD) depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (5-20 years), based on the uniform surface wear and contemporary cut of the planking.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can have some grain tearout when surfacing pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked; known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. High tannin content.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed) which enhance the dark tones. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for high-traffic surfaces.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the deep chocolate color, visible diffuse-porous structure, and cathedral grain are indicative of Black Walnut, though dark stains on Oak or Ash can sometimes mimic this appearance.