Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with some slight waving; flat-sawn with characteristic cathedral patterns and open-porous texture
Color Description
Rich dark brown heartwood with occasional purplish or reddish streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with age and UV exposure.
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, internal joinery, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled (new stock) based on the sharp edges, lack of oxidation, and clean surface texture
Sustainability Status
Secure (IUCN Least Concern); widely available from sustainable sources and not CITES listed
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a glass-smooth finish
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; prized for its strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; clear lacquer or polyurethane for protection; wax for a natural feel
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate-brown color, distinct pore structure, and cathedral grain are diagnostic of North American Black Walnut