Black Walnut (Sapwood focus)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to semi-irregular; the sample shows a flat-sawn face with fine, uniform texture and visible growth ring curvature consistent with a log slice.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically dark chocolate brown; this sample primarily displays the creamy white to pale yellowish-tan sapwood. It features low luster and will yellow slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is very durable; sapwood (shown) is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack and rot.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width (sapwood often lowers value in select grade walnut).
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut (0-1 year); the bark is still attached and tight, and the wood shows minimal oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though the transition between sapwood and heartwood can require toning to match.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes specifically to enhance the natural contrast. Use a sealer if staining to prevent blotching in the porous sapwood.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic rough grey-brown bark texture, wide creamy sapwood band, and visible pore structure are hallmark traits of Juglans nigra.