Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waves; semi-ring-porous structure visible in the cross-section with typical circular growth ring patterns
Color Description
Heartwood is medium to dark brown, often with a chocolate or purplish hue. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow to white. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut (green wood) as indicated by the high moisture appearance and lack of oxidation on the cross-section surface
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources exist
Workability
Excellent workability; turns, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild allergen; excellent dimensional stability
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to highlight natural depth; takes all clear film finishes well
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the dark, chocolate-colored pith/heartwood and the wide, cream-colored sapwood in a North American hardwood log is characteristic of young Black Walnut.