Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture and moderate natural luster. The sample shows a flat-sawn appearance with subtle cathedral-like arching and visible growth ring transitions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time with exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is 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 Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (depending on thickness, width, and figure).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/modern cut; show very little oxidation or deep patina, likely harvested and milled within the last 1-5 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, stains, and finishes excellently. It holds nails and screws well and is one of the most enjoyable domestic hardwoods to work.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked; contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some users; prized for its exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; shellac or lacquer for a classic look; polyurethane for high-wear surfaces like table tops.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue combined with the specific pore structure and grain orientation is diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.