Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium-coarse texture; exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral appearance with slight irregular figure and visible open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to deep chocolate brown with some darker streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellowish-grey. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly to a more golden brown with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable/Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on region and board width/grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/contemporary stock; surface shows fresh sanding and lacks the heavy oxidation or grey/black patina associated with timber aged over 30-40 years.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification options.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have surface tearout if the grain is figured or irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy aroma when being worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and unique dark natural color without staining.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes (like Danish oil or Arm-R-Seal) are highly recommended to enhance deep color; clear lacquers and polyurethanes also work well.
Identification Confidence
High (based on the characteristic chocolate brown heartwood color, open pore structure, and grain patterning typical of Juglans nigra).