Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain in the sapwood with concentric ring patterns in the heartwood section; small knot cluster at the pith. Flat-sawn style transition from pith to bark.
Color Description
Pale creamy-white sapwood (predominant) with a small, circular, grayish-brown heartwood center. Exposure to light will eventually darken the sapwood and lighten the heartwood.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is very durable and resistant to decay; sapwood is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and high-end wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Currently $10.00 to $15.00 per board foot for premium grades; this specific cross-section 'cookie' slab likely $20-$40 as a specialty craft piece.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut modern sample; approximately 15-20 growth rings visible spanning the heartwood and sapwood transition.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well. Sapwood is slightly softer and easier to cut than heartwood.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, characteristic odor when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil, tung oil, or a clear polyurethane to highlight the stark contrast between the light sapwood and dark heartwood center.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic circular heartwood transition, wide sapwood typical of younger walnut limbs/trunks, and the bark texture visible on adjacent pieces are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.