Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible open-pore texture; some slight cathedral patterns and subtle wavy figure present in the rough-cut section.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown. This sample shows a dusty grayish-brown due to surface oxidation and sawdust. Sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten and take on gold/amber tones over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock (less than 5 years old since harvest). The graying surface is due to light oxidation of a rough-sawn face, not centuries of age.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain; produces a distinct, pleasant aroma when worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive chocolate-like scent when cut; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; known for having a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) or clear polyurethane are recommended to deepen the natural dark tones and highlight the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, open-pore structure, and typical growth ring spacing are definitive indicators of American Black Walnut.