Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; featured here with a coarse, open-pored texture and some evidence of figure near the rough edges.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. It tends to lighten and become more golden-brown over time with UV exposure.
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, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Unknown specific harvest date, but the rough-cut surface and slight oxidation suggest it is air-dried or kiln-dried stock roughly 1-5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, though figured pieces may tear out. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance its natural depth; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection and highlight the rich color.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous structure visible in the rough grain, and splitting patterns are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.