Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a medium texture; displays a subtle cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face visible in the sample.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample displays a typical darker heartwood transition. It tends to lighten/yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut; 1-5 years based on the lack of significant oxidation/patina and sharp, machine-milled edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, though it has a faint distinct odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when cut; contains juglone (mild toxin for some plants); highly prized for its dark natural color and stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, and typical sapwood-to-heartwood transition are diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.