American Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Features a mix of straight and irregular grain with figure resulting from a knot/crotch area. Medium texture with significant sapwood-to-heartwood transition.
Color Description
Contrast between creamy white sapwood and grayish-brown heartwood. The heartwood shows darker brown streaks. It typically lightens to a more amber color over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/surfaced or relatively new lumber, evidenced by the lack of oxidation in the sapwood and sharp, light-colored surface fibers.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues easily, and takes stains/finishes beautifully. Can have occasional tearout near knots or figured areas.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to enhance depth. Clear lacquer or polyurethane can be used for protection without significantly altering tone.
Identification Confidence
High; the color contrast between the sapwood and heartwood, the specific grain structure, and the characteristic brown streaks are hallmark indicators of Juglans nigra.