Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. The end grain shown displays a semi-ring-porous structure with distinct growth rings and medium-textured grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale creamy white. This sample shows a distinct dark heartwood core surrounded by lighter-colored sapwood. Deepens with age, though it can lighten if exposed to UV.
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, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; logs vary by diameter.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the growth ring count and oxidation on the cut surface, this section is approximately 15-20 years old and was likely harvested within the last 12 months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds nails and screws securely. Its only challenge is occasional tear-out if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Contains juglone which can be an irritant to some. Prized for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Danish oil or simple polyurethane are recommended to highlight the natural brown tones. Do not bleach or use heavy stains which mask the signature color.
Identification Confidence
High. The ratio of creamy sapwood to chocolate heartwood, the semi-ring-porous growth ring pattern, and the visible bark texture on the lower nodes are characteristic of young Black Walnut.