Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with curly or wavy figure; moderate texture with cathedral patterns common in flat-sawn pieces.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown, sometimes with narrow streaks of purple or red. Sapwood is creamy white to yellow. Dulls slightly and lightens to a more golden brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (likely 5-20 years since harvest) based on the uniformity of the surfacing and modern finish sheen.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally sustainable with wide FSC availability.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues, stains, and finishes excellently. Can have some tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked; notable for its excellent dimensional stability and high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Does not require stain.
Identification Confidence
High; the rich brown coloration, semi-porous grain structure with distinct pore spotting, and cathedral grain waves are characteristic of Juglans nigra.