Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture with open pores. This sample shows a flat-sawn appearance with moderate cathedral peaking and distinct large-vessel coarse texture typical of the species.
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. This sample exhibits significant 'milking' or sun-bleaching, which has lightened the traditional dark coffee tones toward a grayish-tan patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack. Excellent dimensional stability once seasoned.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
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 grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern dimensional lumber but shows signs of surface oxidation and UV exposure (sun-bleaching) suggesting it has been planed and exposed to air for 1–5 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Widely considered one of the most enjoyable woods to work with; it machines well, turns beautifully, and glues/finishes easily. Can be prone to minor tearout if the grain is figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its superb shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio. Finishes to a very high natural luster.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or wiping varnishes act best to highlight the depth of the grain. If the grayish patina is undesired, a light sanding followed by a clear topcoat will restore the dark chocolate hues.
Identification Confidence
High; the pore structure, color transition between heartwood and sapwood visible on the right edge, and the specific grayish-brown oxidation characteristic are definitive for Juglans nigra.