Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with distinct cathedral patterning on the flat-sawn face; medium texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to a deep chocolate brown with occasional darker streaks. Sapwood is a distinct creamy white to pale yellow. Often becomes more golden-brown over time with exposure to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and specialty wooden objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade (location dependent).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced stock (less than 1 year since last surfacing) showing minimal oxidation or UV graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet, and nutty scent when worked. High tannin content. Dries slowly with high dimensional stability once cured.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes (like Danish oil or Arm-R-Seal) are recommended to enhance the deep color and grain depth. Water-based finishes may leave the wood looking slightly 'cold' or gray.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-colored heartwood, distinctive creamy sapwood, and open-pored cathedral grain is representative of Juglans nigra.