Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; cross-sections show semi-ring-porous structure and visible growth rings with potential for burls or crotches.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is distinct creamy white. Tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot (subject to grade and figure).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to mid-seasoned (under 2 years); the bark maintains deep fissures and tightness, and the end grain shows relatively fresh saw marks.
Sustainability Status
Generally sustainable and widely available; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues easily, and finishes beautifully, though tearout can occur in figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant for some. Known for exceptional dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes (like Tung oil or Danish oil) best highlight the natural depth and chatoyance; film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are also common for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the deeply furrowed, diamond-patterned 'corky' bark combined with the dark chocolate heartwood and creamy sapwood visible at the cut face is characteristic of Juglans nigra.