Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with straight to slightly irregular texture. Includes a small knot at the top and moderate heartwood/sapwood contrast.
Color Description
Creamy white sapwood on the right edge transitioning to a light chocolate brown heartwood. Will develop a warm, golden-brown patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and specialty wood objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot (depending on region and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut/Newly milled; surface shows recent machining marks and light oxidation consistent with new stock.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and labeled as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes smoothly and glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant spicy scent when worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Satin polyurethane or natural oils (Danish oil/Tung oil) to highlight grain; clear coats are preferred to maintain the natural dark tones.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct cathedral grain, color transition between sapwood and heartwood, and porous texture are classic diagnostic features of Juglans nigra.