Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible cathedral patterning in the center flat-sawn area; medium texture with large, open pores and occasional wavy figure or small knots.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purple or reddish streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It develops a lustrous patina and tends to lighten slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; the clean machine-sanding marks and lack of deep oxidation or historic tool marks suggest it is recently processed stock (1-5 years post-milling).
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; planes and sands easily. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth glass-like finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability. Dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (Tung or Linseed) or Danish oil enhance the natural color and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for added protection and durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep chocolate brown color, distinct open-pore structure, and cathedral grain pattern is characteristic of North American Black Walnut.