Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a mild cathedral pattern in flat-sawn sections with a medium texture and moderate natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack. Reliable for indoor longevity.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processed lumber; surface appears freshly planed or sanded with minimal oxidation/patina, suggesting a processing age of less than 1 year.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Responds well to steam bending. Dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for its rich dark coloring without the need for stain. Dense enough for strength but light enough for furniture portability.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which deepen the chocolate tones. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for high-wear surfaces like tables.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue mixed with grey-purple undertones and specific pore distribution is hallmark of Juglans nigra.