Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral figure with mostly straight grain transitioning into a wavy or swirly pattern around nodes. Semi-porous texture with visible growth ring boundaries.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with some lighter tan streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It develops a lustrous patina and tends to lighten slightly toward a warmer honey-brown with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber; surface appears planed/sanded recently with minimal oxidation or historical patina, likely processed within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Dust can be a sensitizer for some users; contains juglone which is toxic to certain plants. Known for its excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear finishes to showcase natural color. Danish oil or tung oil enhances the grain; polyurethane or lacquer provides durable protection; wax adds a soft sheen.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate color, semi-porous grain structure, and cathedral patterns are classic diagnostic features of North American Black Walnut.