Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with cathedral patterns and occasional swirls around small knots; medium-to-coarse texture
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white. This rough-sawn board shows a dull gray-brown patina from oxidation, typical of air-dried walnut.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to very durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is 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 - $15.00 per board foot (varies by width and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
The board shows significant surface oxidation and accumulation of workshop dust, suggesting it has been air-drying or in storage for 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues easily, and takes stains and finishes excellently. Can be brittle around knots.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when cut. High shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes are highly recommended to bring out the natural figure and chatoyance. Lacquer and polyurethane also perform well.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, pale sapwood transition, specific knot structure, and rough-milled texture is definitive for Black Walnut.