Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture with moderate natural luster; this sample displays a clean, straight-grained face common in turning blanks.
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. The color darkens with age and exposure to light, often developing a rich patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on localized market and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled material; likely 1-3 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation and clean, sharp machine-cut edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout if the grain is figured. Holds screws and nails well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild allergen/irritant for some; prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; looks best with penetrating oils (Danish oil or Tung oil) or clear lacquers to highlight natural depth and chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure visible on the face, and standard 2x2 turning blank dimension point strongly to Black Walnut.