Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Fine, uniform texture with occasional cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards. This sample shows a straight-to-slightly wavy face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, walnut tends to lighten slightly toward a honey-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (especially sapwood).
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 - $18.00 per board foot (varies by grade and region)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock (0-20 years), based on the crispness of the machine cuts and the fresh, un-oxidized color profile visible in the sanded areas.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though figured pieces can occasionally suffer from tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone which can be a mild allergen. Highly prized for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance chatoyance and grain depth. Polyurethane or lacquer provides excellent protection for high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood color transition, diffuse-porous grain structure, and typical surface texture are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.