Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with cathedral figure; semi-porous with visible vessel elements and fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white. Shows moderate luster and deepens to a golden brown patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
12.00 to 18.00 USD per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (late 20th to early 21st century) based on uniform surface oxidation and clean, mechanical edges.
Sustainability Status
Widely available and sustainable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well. Prone to moderate blunting of cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; high tannin content; known for being dimensionally stable once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; clear lacquer or polyurethane for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; identification based on the characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore arrangement, and the specific diffuse-porous grain structure typical of Juglans nigra.