Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but occasionally irregular or wavy; sometimes features crotch, burl, or curly figure. Fine to medium texture with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Wood darkens slightly and develops a rich patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, flooring, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot for Select/Better grade, significantly higher for figured or wide-plank stock.
Wood Age Estimate
N/A - The image provided depicts live foliage of a sapling rather than processed timber with visible aging indicators.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally Considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and stains well, though it can produce a distinct scent that may act as a sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Contains juglone, a chemical that can be toxic to other plants. Highly prized for its unique dark color among temperate hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Danish oil or tung oil are recommended to enhance the natural grain; polyurethane provides excellent protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
Medium - While the foliage shown is consistent with Juglans nigra (alternate, pinnately compound leaves with a missing or small terminal leaflet), identifying wood properties from a leaf photo is an estimation based on the botanical species identified.