Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. This sample shows a medium-to-coarse texture with a relatively straight appearance on the visible face grain.
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. The color will typically lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/freshly cut; the rough-sawn edges and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear suggest it is a modern sample or scrap piece.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in the US.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet-spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some; prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil, tung oil, or linseed oil to enhance the natural dark color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for added protection and durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown color paired with the characteristic semi-ring-porous grain structure and coarse texture is highly symptomatic of Juglans nigra.