Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium texture; shows some characteristic dark streaks and potential for cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections
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. Over time, the wood tends to lighten slightly toward a golden brown
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Sample appears relatively contemporary (post-milling), showing light oxidation but no significant historic patina or deep wear
Sustainability Status
Commonly available and not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; FSC certification is widely available
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally have tearout in figured pieces
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Tung or Danish oil) to highlight the grain, or a clear lacquer/polyurethane for protection; shellac also works well as a sealer
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The dark chocolate hues combined with the visible pore structure and growth ring transitions are highly indicative of Juglans nigra, though the lighting in the macro-crop makes a definitive 100% confirmation difficult.