Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with some mild waving; medium texture with open pores and moderate natural luster.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with some greyish-purple undertones; sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray. It tends to lighten with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (within the last 10-20 years) based on the surface texture and visible machine-planing marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools; it planes, glues, and nails well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in figured boards.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; known for its stability and relatively lightweight strength ratio compared to other hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed), shellac, or polyurethane finishes to highlight deep colors and luster.
Identification Confidence
High: The wood displays the classic chocolate-brown heartwood color, semi-ring-porous structure, and grain characteristics specific to North American Black Walnut.