Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; featured in this image are flat-sawn sections showing cathedral patterns and some darker, swirly figure near knots or branch inclusions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown or blackish streaks. Sapwood is a pale off-white to yellowish-gray. It develops a lustrous patina over time, though it tends to lighten slightly with prolonged UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock; the clean surface and lack of significant oxidation or deep patina suggest the sample is likely less than 5-10 years old from the time of milling.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the 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. It planes and glues well and finishes to a high luster. Can occasionally have grain tear-out if the grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, faint, and pleasant nut-like scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Varies by application; penetrating oils (tung or linseed) enhance the natural depth and chatoyance, while clear lacquers or polyurethane provide durable protection for furniture.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate brown heartwood contrasting with the narrow pale sapwood strips (visible in this laminated glue-up) and the specific semi-ring-porous grain texture are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.