Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; showing some cathedral figure and minor burl-like clusters near the bottom edge.
Color Description
Rich dark brown heartwood with some chocolate and purplish hues. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray. Naturally darkens/patinas with age; exhibits medium luster.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and offers good rot resistance.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, gunstocks, musical instruments, and specialty wooden objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Approx. 40-70 years based on deep oxidation, visible surface wear/dent patterns, and the style of the furniture joinery visible.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Features a faint, characteristic mild scent when being worked; known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oils (linseed or tung) and wax which enhance the natural dark color; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for furniture.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate brown color, pore structure, and characteristic figure are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.