Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but often found with irregular, wavy, or curly figure. The sample shows a fine, tight grain with significant figure/curl perpendicular to the growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows deep brown hues with a silky luster.
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, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to moderately seasoned; the presence of visible saw marks and rough texture suggests primary processing stage.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steaming for bending. Can suffer from tearout if grain is highly figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive, mild nutty odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Fine, uniform texture.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to clear oils (Linseed, Tung) and polyurethane to enhance the deep color. Takes stains and waxes beautifully.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate-brown color, diffuse-porous structure, and prominent figure under rough-sawn conditions are diagnostic for Juglans nigra.