Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with wavy or curly figure; features large semi-ring-porous grain with visible growth rings and occasional burl or crotch figure near limb junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown, sometimes with a grayish, purplish, or reddish cast. Sapwood is distinct pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a more golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; logs vary significantly based on diameter and clarity.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly felled log; the lack of graying or deep oxidation on the cut face suggests it was cut within the last few weeks to months.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes and glues well, though it can develop tearout if the grain is irregular. It holds stain and finish exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned. Can cause skin/eye irritation in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Danish or Tung oil) to highlight the natural chocolate tones; polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear surfaces; wax for a natural feel.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep brown heartwood, narrow white sapwood, many-layered bark texture, and the specific cross-section growth ring pattern is diagnostic of Juglans nigra.