Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with occasional wavy patterns; flat-sawn displaying visible cathedral arches and a prominent knot with surrounding irregular figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a creamy chocolate brown to a dark coffee color; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It is known to lighten over time with UV exposure, often developing a rich golden-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable/Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Rough-cut air-dried or kiln-dried stock likely processed within the last 1–5 years, showing minimal surface oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can be prone to tear-out on pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Contains juglone which can be an allergen for some. Highly prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes specifically recommended to enhance natural chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate hue combined with the specific pore structure and cathedral grain patterns is diagnostic for Black Walnut.