Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with some slight waving; medium texture with open pores. This sample exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral-like pattern with visible pore streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is typically creamy white. Over time and with UV exposure, it tends to lighten toward a more golden-yellow or amber color.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable and resistant to decay; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00–$18.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible surface oxidation and dust accumulation suggest the board has been air-dried or stored for 2–5 years, but the wood itself likely came from a tree 50–80 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally sustainable and widely managed in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes have tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; known for its high shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural figure, or wipe-on polyurethane/shellac for protection. Does not require staining as its natural color is highly prized.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, open-pored texture, and specific grain pattern are classic markers of Juglans nigra.