Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Displays cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards with a medium, open-pored texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to develop a rich patina and may lighten slightly with exposure to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried FAS grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible patina and deep oxidation suggest the wood has been finished and aged for 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though the open grain may require filling for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wipe-on varnishes highlight the grain and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown hues combined with the specific large-pore vessel distribution and cathedral grain patterns are characteristic of Juglans nigra.