Black Walnut (Sapwood/Transition)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a fine, uniform texture. Shows typical flat-sawn growth ring patterns visible as darker parallel lines on the face.
Color Description
Light yellowish-brown to pale tan, characteristic of walnut sapwood or the transition zone between sapwood and heartwood. It lacks the dark chocolate tones of heartwood but will darken slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay, but sapwood (shown here) is susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, novelties, and turned objects. Often used in contrast with dark heartwood for aesthetic variety.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot (Values vary significantly between heartwood and sapwood content).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock (0-5 years); the fresh color, lack of significant oxidation, and clean machine-cut edges suggest recently milled lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly and glues, stains, and finishes very well, though sapwood may require more attention during staining to match heartwood.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint earthy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some woodworkers. Known for excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the warm tones; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for furniture use.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pore structure, color transition, and specific grain streakiness are highly characteristic of Juglans nigra sapwood, though some lighter Cherry (Prunus serotina) can appear similar.