Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with visible open pores and some cathedral variation; occasional wavy or curly figure can occur in this species.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. It tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade, though prices vary significantly by region and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; appear fairly fresh with light oxidation and minimal patina, likely cut within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable with widespread availability.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and takes a high polish. It has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive nutty odor when cut; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some; prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) which enhance the depth of color. Clear lacquer or polyurethane can be used for more protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate brown heartwood tones combined with the signature open-pore grain structure and diffuse-porous arrangement are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.