Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with visible knots and some circular saw marks on the surface.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-grey. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly toward a golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest age appears to be several years based on surface oxidation and dust accumulation; growth ring density suggests the tree was 50-80 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have irregular grain near knots that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an allergen for some. Known for high dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the dark tones. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for protection. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown hue, characteristic cathedral grain, and presence of specific knot structures are hallmark traits of North American Black Walnut.