Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium texture; exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral pattern occasionally visible near the edges with slight irregularity due to tool marks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Grayish-white sapwood is visible near the edge. It tends to lighten and take on a golden patina with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay although susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot (depending on width and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years; based on the oxidation level and the apparent wear and dust accumulation on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds stain/finish excellently, though it can occasionally produce tearout in figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like scent when being worked; known for its excellent dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Varnish or oil-based polyurethane to enhance deep tones; Danish oil or shellac are also excellent for highlighting grain without excessive buildup.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, medium-pore structure, and typical grain figure are highly indicative of Juglans nigra.