Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn drawer face with medium texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Often develops a rich patina and lightens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade
Wood Age Estimate
30-60 years based on the construction style of the drawer unit and the oxidized patina of the unfinished interior sections.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; holds paint and stain exceptionally well, though it is usually finished clear to show the grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural depth; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for furniture; shellac is excellent for reviving vintage pieces.
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate-brown hue, characteristic cathedral grain looping, and open pore structure are classic indicators of North American Black Walnut.