Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with cathedral patterns; features distinctive semi-ring porous growth rings and medium texture.
Color Description
Rich dark brown heartwood with coffee and chocolate tones; sapwood is pale yellow-gray. Develops a mellow patina and lightens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneers, interior trim, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Central North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years based on fresh edges and lack of deep oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources exist.
Workability
Excellent; works well with hand and machine tools, although irregular grain can cause tearout. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Faint, slightly spicy odor when being worked. Known for high dimensional stability and shock resistance. Juglone in the wood can be an irritant for some.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance color, or clear polyurethane/lacquer to preserve look. No wood filler typically required.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate hue combined with the specific growth ring spacing and pore structure is consistent with North American Black Walnut.