Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with semi-ring-porous growth rings and occasional crotch figure or burl near limb junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. It develops a rich patina and lightens slightly over time with UV exposure.
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, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Southern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; higher for figured slabs or bowl blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh-cut to 1 year; the bark is intact and relatively fresh, though the exposed wood face shows some initial oxidation and drying checks consistent with air-drying log sections.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands easily. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can have a dulling effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its unique dark pigment and favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural dark color; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the deeply furrowed diamond-patterned bark, contrast between cream sapwood and chocolate heartwood, and growth ring structure are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.