Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with some undulating cathedral figure in the center; medium texture with semi-porous grain visible under the finish.
Color Description
Deep chocolate brown heartwood with warm reddish undertones; exhibits a rich patina and moderate luster. Evidence of oxidation and darkening due to age and finish.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack compared to cedars.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
12.00 to 20.00 USD per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the deep ambering of the finish and the characteristic darkening/'mellowing' of the walnut heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified by IUCN as 'Least Concern'; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes extremely well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout on curly sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some users; prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethane or lacquer to enhance the natural depth. A simple rubbed oil (tung or linseed) or shellac is also highly effective for this species.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown hues, diffuse-porous grain structure, and typical cathedral figure is diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.