Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with characteristic cathedral patterns, some irregular grain near knots, and occasional wavy figure typical of walnut crotch or burl regions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it typically lightens to a golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10 to $18 per board foot depending on thickness and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/modern stock (likely under 5 years old) based on the lack of oxidation/ambering and the presence of pale sapwood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources exist.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, stains, and finishes excellently. Presence of knots can cause some tear-out.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild nutty scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) which enhance the dark color. Clear polyurethanes or lacquers also work well to preserve natural tone.
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate-brown heartwood vs creamy sapwood contrast, combined with the open pore structure and grain flow, is highly characteristic of Juglans nigra.