Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to somewhat irregular; frequently exhibits wavy or curly figure near crotches. End grain shows visible growth rings with semi-ring-porous structure and medium texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a distinct creamy white to pale yellowish-gray. Color tends to lighten and take on more golden-brown hues over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and decay, though sapwood is 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 Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot for premium grade lumber, though logs for veneer can be significantly higher.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut log (less than 1 month); minimal oxidation on the transverse surface and bark remains fully intact and fresh.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues easily, and takes stains and finishes beautifully, although it has a tendency to dull cutting edges slightly.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone which can be an irritant to some. High dimensional stability and excellent shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance the grain depth, as well as clear lacquers and polyurethanes.
Identification Confidence
High; the dark chocolate heartwood contrasting sharply with thin, pale sapwood and the deeply furrowed, dark gray bark are diagnostic for mature Juglans nigra.