Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; exhibits a medium texture and natural luster with a semi-ring-porous grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
10.00 to 18.00 USD per board foot depending on width and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested; bark and inner wood show no significant oxidation or mechanical wear, likely cut within the last 12 months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, turns, and carves well. Glues and finishes very easily, though the dust can be an irritant to some.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants and horses. Highly prized for its unique dark natural color.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear finishes like linseed or tung oil to enhance grain; also takes polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac well. No staining is usually required or desired.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deeply furrowed, diamond-patterned dark bark and the glimpsed chocolate-brown heartwood in the cracks are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.