Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium-coarse texture; the end grain shows distinct growth rings with semi-ring-porous structure and occasional wavy or irregular figure near the knots.
Color Description
Distinctive dark chocolate brown heartwood with a narrow band of pale yellowish-white sapwood; heartwood can develop a lustrous patina and lighten slightly to a golden brown over time when exposed to UV light.
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, interior trim, flooring, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber, significantly higher for wide or figured slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
The log itself shows approximately 25-30 growth rings. The cut appears relatively fresh (within 6-12 months) based on the minimal oxidation of the sapwood and the presence of loose, fibrous cambium/bark edges.
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 both hand and machine tools; planes well, glues easily, and takes finishes exceptionally well, though the dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone (a mild toxin/allelepathic chemical); known for its exceptional dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep color; clear coats like polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for protection. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the dark chocolate heartwood, narrow cream-colored sapwood, and the specific ring-porous end grain structure is diagnostic of Juglans nigra.