Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible cathedral figuring on the face surfaces; displays some interlocked grain near knots and slight wavy figure in the upper sections of the central boards.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown with visible streaks of lighter tan and purplish hues. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-gray. Visible oxidation and light exposure in this rough-cut state result in a slightly more golden-brown surface patina.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on width and degree of figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent milling (less than 1-2 years); rough-sawn surfaces show original mill marks with moderate surface oxidation but no deep weathering or structural degradation.
Sustainability Status
Generally sustainable; not CITES listed and categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN; FSC certified stock is widely available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands easily. However, it may experience tearout in areas of figured or interlocked grain. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its Dimensional stability and dark pigment. Wood dust can be an irritant/sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) and polyurethane are recommended to highlight depth and natural chatoyance. Shellac is also an excellent sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; identification is based on the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood color contrasted with pale sapwood, the specific cathedral grain pattern, and the rough-sawn texture typical of North American hardwood lumber yards.