Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to semi-irregular with a medium-coarse texture; visible growth rings and slight cathedral peaking on the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows the lighter interior heartwood with characteristic darkening/oxidation.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot (depending on width and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (1-5 years); the lack of deep patina or UV graying suggest recently milled or surfaced lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can have a mild dulling effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone which can be an allergen; high stability after drying.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-grain structure, specific chocolate-brown hue, and visible transition to lighter sapwood at the corner are diagnostic for Juglans nigra.