Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with some wavy figure; semi-ring-porous growth rings and occasional cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich, dark chocolate to coffee brown with purplish-black streaks; sapwood is pale creamy yellow. Darkens slightly with age though lightens with exposure to UV rays.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, luxury flooring, gunstocks, veneer, turned objects, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The rough-cut texture and heavy oxidation suggest a sample that has been air-drying or in storage for 5 to 10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant or toxic to some plants and animals.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to enhance depth; clear lacquer or polyurethane for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate hue combined with the specific semi-ring-porous end grain structure and large vessel pores are characteristic of Juglans nigra.