Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible diffuse-porous vessels and slight cathedral patterning; contains a mix of flat-sawn heartwood and sapwood transitions
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown with purplish-gray streaks; sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. Exhibits high natural luster and develops a warm golden-brown patina 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, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, turned objects, and specialty small wood items
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern stock (less than 10 years old) based on the crisp contrast between sapwood and heartwood and lack of deep oxidation
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification options
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though can occasionally exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild allergen for some users; renowned for its dimensional stability
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed) or clear polyurethane to highlight natural color and chatoyance; does not require staining as it is naturally dark
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep chocolate heartwood adjacent to creamy sapwood, coupled with the specific pore structure and sheen, is characteristic of Juglans nigra