Black Walnut (Sapwood)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with subtle cathedral peaks; uniform texture with medium pores visible.
Color Description
Pale yellowish-white to creamy tan sapwood. It lacks the dark chocolate tones of the heartwood but will yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
The sapwood is Non-durable and susceptible to insect attack, unlike the heartwood which is very durable.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, paneling, and flooring where a lighter color contrasts with dark heartwood.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot (Sapwood often valued lower than all-heartwood boards).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled stock (0-2 years) based on the lack of oxidation and clean, light color profile.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though sapwood requires careful color matching if used with heartwood.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when worked. Juglone in the wood can be a mild sensitizer for some users. Dense but easy to plane.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or polyurethane to protect the light color; sanding sealer is recommended to prevent uneven absorption.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pore structure and grain arc are characteristic of Juglans nigra, while the creamy color confirms it is primarily sapwood.