Black Walnut — Juglans nigra
High, confirmed by the characteristic deep brown heartwood, lighter sapwood boundary, and grain texture confidence

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability
Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack

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Grain Pattern

Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture

Color & Appearance

Rich dark brown heartwood with a lighter, pale yellowish-gray sapwood visible on the left edge, typical of walnut color variation

Hardness (Janka)

1,010 lbf (Medium)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
$8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent cut, showing typical modern milling marks and minimal surface aging
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed

Common Uses

Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well

Finish Recommendations

Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane very well, enhancing the deep brown tones

Notable Features

Possesses a rich, natural luster and distinctive color transition between heartwood and sapwood; stable dimensional properties

Learn more about Black Walnut in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 27, 2026