Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to cathedral grain; open-pore texture with visible large earlywood pores. Occasional wavy or curly patterns may occur naturally.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a deep chocolate brown with dark brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Typically darkens or pales slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years), showing fresh machining marks and little oxidation/patina development.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout when surfacing pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Best with walnut oil, linseed oil, or polyurethane to enhance natural color. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural grain and chocolate hues.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown color combined with the specific ring-porous grain structure and cathedral pattern is characteristic of North American Black Walnut.