Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; featured here with a semi-cathedral pattern and slight wavy figure in the darker heartwood transitions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a deep chocolate brown to a light grayish brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale off-white to yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten or develop a golden patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber; likely harvested within the last 1-5 years based on the lack of significant oxidation and visible sanding/planer marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes experience minor tearout in sections with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some; famous for its excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Sanding to high grits (220-320) is recommended. Responds beautifully to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance grain depth, or high-quality lacquer for a smooth sheen.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood transitions, diffuse-porous structure visible in the grain, and light-colored sapwood are diagnostic of North American Black Walnut.