Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but occasionally with wavy or curly figure near limb junctions and crotches; semi-diffuse porous structure with moderate-sized pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to chocolate brown with dark brown streaks; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to white. Color tends to lighten/golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack (especially powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, musical instruments (guitars), interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly felled or recently cut log based on the presence of green moss/lichen on bark and lack of significant graying/weathering on exposed wood fibers.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with managed harvesting.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can produce a mild chocolate-like scent when machined.
Notable Features
Contains juglone which can be an irritant to some; famous for its distinctive dark heartwood and exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (Linseed or Tung) to enhance internal depth, or clear polyurethane/lacquer to preserve natural color; shellac is also common for traditional finishes.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deeply furrowed, dark grayish-brown bark with diamond-shaped patterns and the characteristic dark brown heartwood visible at the cut ends are indicative of Black Walnut.