Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular or wavy, typically showing a cathedral figure in flat-sawn sections and visible growth rings in the end-grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to chocolate brown; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a golden brown.
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, gunstocks, musical instruments, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (standard lumber prices; log value is significantly lower).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested/felled log sections (green wood), likely 40-70 years old based on diameter and growth ring density.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can have a dulling effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; contains juglone, which can be an irritant; characterized by deep furrowed bark.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Tung or Danish oil) to enhance deep color, or clear polyurethane/lacquer to preserve natural tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the dark chocolate heartwood contrasting with thin white sapwood and the characteristic deeply furrowed bark is definitive for Black Walnut.