Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but often shows wavy or curly figure near the bark/sapwood transition; the sample shows rough-sawn circular saw marks and natural irregularities near a bark inclusion.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; the sample shows light tan sapwood common in raw slabs, which typically yellows over time while heartwood lightens.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs, depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or air-dried slab, likely under 2 years since harvests based on the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of rough mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified as Least Concern by the IUCN; widely available but slow-growing.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally have tear-out if grain is figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; prized for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (like Tung or Danish oil) to highlight the grain, or clear polyurethane for durability; avoid heavy stains that obscure the natural color.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, distinct creamy sapwood, bark texture in the inclusion, and diffuse-porous grain structure is classic for Juglans nigra.