Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with some slight waviness; displays distinctive cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections with a semi-open pore structure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. It tends to lighten/yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 10-30 years based on oxidation levels and the character of the surface finish wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable, though slow-growing.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant. Highly prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (Danish/Tung oil) to highlight grain; clear polyurethane or lacquer for durability; shellac also works well.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate tones combined with the specific large-pore vessel distribution and cathedral grain spikes are hallmarks of North American Black Walnut.