Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Common figures include cathedral, crotch, and curly patterns in large logs.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly toward a honey-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot (varies by grade and width).
Wood Age Estimate
Logs appear to have been felled and seasoned outdoors for 6-12 months based on checking and surface oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally exhibit tearout with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when worked. Contains juglone which can be an allergen; high aesthetic value and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best with penetrating oils (Linseed or Tung) to enhance depth, or clear lacquer/polyurethane to preserve color.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identifying based on the dark heartwood visible in the checks, distinctive bark texture, and large log diameter typical of domestic walnut stacks.