Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium texture; exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral pattern and some subtle wavy figure near the bottom of the board.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white (visible on the right edge). It has a dull luster and tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled from a mature tree; the rough sawn surface suggests it has not been aged or seasoned long as a finished board.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues easily, and takes stains and finishes extremely well. It can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Dust can be a mild irritant. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants and sensitive animals.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (like Linseed or Tung oil) to enhance the dark color, or clear polyurethane for durability. Wax provides a beautiful satin sheen.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, distinct cream sapwood, cathedral grain pattern, and the appearance of the logs in the background are classic indicators of Black Walnut.