Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Visible crotch and burl figures often occur near joints and roots. The bark displays deep, diamond-shaped furrows typical of mature specimens.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, the heartwood tends to lighten slightly toward a honey-brown patina.
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
Approximately $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The thick, deeply fissured bark suggests this log section is from a tree at least 40-60 years old; as a raw log, it appears recently harvested.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable and widely available in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes finishes extremely well, though it has a distinct odor when cut.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some individuals and is toxic to certain plant species.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance depth, or clear lacquer/polyurethane to protect the dark tones. Avoid heavy stains that mask its natural color.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The deeply furrowed, dark, 'chocolatey' inner bark and diamond-patterned outer bark are hallmark indicators of Juglans nigra, though a cross-section of the wood would be required for 100% certainty.