Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a characteristic cathedral pattern visible in the flat-sawn section. Open-pored with a coarse, uniform texture and moderate natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a deep chocolate brown with dark brown streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, the color tends to lighten and shift toward a honey-gold hue under UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles). Moderately stable in humid environments.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, small specialty objects, and turned items.
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern North America and widely distributed throughout the central and eastern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality/figure level.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern. The sample shows minimal oxidation, no surface checking, and very little patina, suggesting it was milled and sanded within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Steam bends effectively. However, the distinct odor of its dust can be an irritant to some woodworkers.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can act as a skin and respiratory irritant. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with oil-based varnishes, Danish oil, or wiping polyurethanes to enhance the deep color and grain. Clear coats are preferred to maintain the natural dark tones.
Identification Confidence
High; based on the specific pore structure, deep chocolate coloration, cathedral grain pattern characteristic of Juglans nigra, and the lack of prominent medullary rays found in oaks.