Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular, often featuring cathedral or burl patterns near limb junctions. Semi-ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellowish-white. Darkens and gains luster over time.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneer, flooring, musical instruments, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Central and Eastern North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; logs vary by grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly felled log (less than 1 month); growth rings on the small branch suggest a limb age of approximately 25-30 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, and takes a high-quality finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an allergen. Known for high stability and moderate weight.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear lacquers to highlight natural dark tones. Avoid stains that mask the natural variation.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deeply furrowed bark and the specific chocolate-brown heartwood versus white sapwood is characteristic of Juglans nigra.