Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a cathedral pattern in the center with some crotch-like figure near knots. Open-pored and medium texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is distinct, pale yellowish-gray to white. High luster and darkens slightly over time with exposure to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is rated as very resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs or high-grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled (green/air-drying); the sharpness of the saw marks and the clarity of the sapwood line suggest recently harvested timber rather than reclaimed stock.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Can have occasional tearout when grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for its high shock resistance, dimensional stability once dry, and rich natural oils. Dust can be a mild sensitizer/irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung, linseed) or Danish oil to highlight depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for surfaces requiring high durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between the dark chocolate heartwood and pale sapwood, combined with the rough-sawn texture and grain structure, is characteristic of Juglans nigra.