Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with medium texture and open pores; visible cathedral grain and subtle curl in some sections.
Color Description
Rich dark brown to chocolate-colored heartwood with occasional purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray. Develops a lighter, golden-brown patina with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample likely aged 5-20 years based on surface oxidation and current finishing state.
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 hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can exhibit tearout during surfacing of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked; low toxicity but dust can be a mild sensitizer; high natural luster and chatoyance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) which enhance the deep color, or clear polyurethane for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the color range, characteristic open pore structure, and specific grain figure are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.