Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture and moderate natural luster with some cathedral figure visible in the flat-sawn sections.
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. Color tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, turned items, gunstocks, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to moderately aged; lacks the deep grey patina of reclaimed wood but shows natural oxidation consistent with a seasoned board.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues, stains, and finishes well, though figured grain can occasionally cause tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked; known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear coats such as Danish oil, tung oil, or polyurethane to highlight the natural chocolate tones; semi-gloss or satin finishes are common.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood color transition, diffuse-porous structure, and specific grain texture are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.