Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with slight wavy figure and semi-porous texture
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to a deep chocolate brown; sapwood is pale yellow-grey. This sample shows notable cool, greyish-brown tones often seen in air-dried or steamed walnut.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years), likely kiln-dried or steamed based on the uniform greyish-tan color profile
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable in its native range
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though can produce fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; famous for its stability and steam-bending properties
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; clear lacquer or polyurethane for protection while maintaining the natural color
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic cathedral arches, semi-ring-porous structure, and classic grey-brown color are definitive for Black Walnut.