Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with visible growth rings and some surface roughness from milling.
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. Color tends to lighten 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.
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 - $15.00 per board foot (varies by width and grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber (under 5 years) based on the crisp contrast between the sapwood and heartwood and the lack of deep oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally develop tearout if the grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Known for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes extremely well; oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) deepen the color beautifully. Polyurethane or lacquer for higher protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition from the creamy sapwood to the chocolate-brown heartwood combined with the specific pored grain structure is characteristic of Juglans nigra.