Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The exposed inner wood shows a coarse, open-grained texture and cathedral patterns common in lower trunk sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich dark brown with a chocolate-like hue. The sapwood (visible at the edges of the damage) is pale yellowish-white. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Market price for lumber ranges from $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree appears to be approximately 15-25 years old based on the diameter and bark texture. The exposed wood shows recent mechanical damage (bark stripping) with some graying/oxidization on older scars.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available and common, though large old-growth specimens are increasingly rare. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and takes finishes exceptionally. It can produce a mild, distinct nutty odor when worked.
Notable Features
Contains juglone (an allelopathic chemical), a distinct faint chocolate-like scent when freshly cut, and excellent dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) or clear polyurethane are recommended to highlight the natural dark color and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High. The dark chocolate heartwood contrasting with thin white sapwood, combined with the characteristic 'diamond' or 'fissured' bark pattern and the tree's growth habit, are definitive for Juglans nigra.