Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or curly patterns; features a coarse, open-pored texture and some cathedral figure visible in the flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it often develops a lustrous patina and can lighten slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing, likely 5-20 years old based on the surface finish wear and typical commercial furniture application.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Commonly easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds stain/finish excellently, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild allergen to some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Danish or Tung oil) to enhance natural figure, followed by a satin lacquer or polyurethane for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown color, coarse pore structure, and specific grain figure are hallmark characteristics of North American Black Walnut.