Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a cathedral figure; moderate to coarse texture with open pores and occasional small knots.
Color Description
Combination of creamy white/tan sapwood and chocolate brown heartwood. Displays purple or reddish undertones with medium luster. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable regarding decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack. Very stable once dried.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and degree of sapwood/heartwood contrast.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to semi-recent; shows high contrast between sapwood and heartwood without significant oxidation-driven darkening of the light portions.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues easily, and takes stains/finishes exceptionally well, though open pores may require filling.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Fine dust is a known sensitizer. Famous for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil to enhance grain depth; clear polyurethane for durability in high-traffic areas; shellac or lacquer for traditional fine furniture.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate heartwood transition to creamy sapwood, coupled with the semi-ring porous grain structure and cathedral patterns, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.