Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Visible straight grain with some irregular streaks; open-pored texture typical of semi-ring-porous hardwoods. Displays some cathedral patterning in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with light yellowish-gray sapwood visible on the right edge. Significant color contrast and moderate luster; will lighten and develop a gold-brown patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay even in moist conditions, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, flooring, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample (5-15 years), likely kiln-dried and finished with a clear coat; showing minimal oxidation or deep patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Generally excellent with both hand and machine tools; however, figured or irregular grain can cause tearout. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Fine dust can be a moderate sensitizer for some users. Notable for its high shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or tung oil to enhance grain; polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Avoid heavy stains as they mask the natural figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate brown heartwood transition to creamy sapwood, coupled with the characteristic pore distribution and grain structure, is diagnostic of North American Black Walnut.