Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible cathedral patterns; moderately coarse but uniform texture. Shows some evidence of typical flat-sawn characteristics.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray. The sample shows a rich, warm patina typical of air-dried or aged walnut which may lighten over time with UV exposure.
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 trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $15.00 per board foot (depending on thickness and width)
Wood Age Estimate
20–40 years based on the surface oxidation, visible dust accumulation, and the deep development of the brown patina compared to fresh-cut lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable and widely available from FSC sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes experience tearout when machining pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some. Renowned for its excellent dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) and polyurethane are highly recommended to enhance the grain depth. Wax or shellac can be used for a more traditional look.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown coloration, the specific pore structure visible in the grain, and the context of the lumber pile strongly indicate Black Walnut.