Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular/interlocked with occasional wavy or curly figure. Fine to medium texture with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Ages to a warmer, more golden-brown color over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and small specialty wooden objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot for kiln-dried select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the bark texture and trunk diameter in the photo, this living tree is estimated to be 40 to 60 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; takes stains and finishes excellently. Presence of knots can cause some tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be toxic to some plants and an allergen to certain individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) best enhance its natural color and depth. Polyurethane and lacquer also perform well.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep, furrowed, diamond-patterned bark with dark undertones shown in the image is characteristic of mature Juglans nigra.