Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with semi-porous open grain and occasional cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to 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; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on grade, thickness, and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processed timber, likely kiln-dried and manufactured within the last 5-10 years based on surface texture and lack of deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to glues, stains, and finishes, though tearout can occur in irregular grain sections.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked; known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance; contains juglone, which can be a mild allergen for some.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) which enhance the figure, as well as polyurethane or lacquer for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate-brown color, semi-porous grain structure, and characteristic pore distribution are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.