Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture with open pores. Shows cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections and occasional wavy or curly grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Modern rough-cut lumber; likely harvested within the last 5-10 years based on fresh oxidation levels and lack of historical wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it is rarely stained. It can develop fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Varnish, lacquer, or oils (like linseed or tung oil) to highlight the deep natural character. Responds exceptionally well to clear penetrating oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the rich brown coffee-colored heartwood, distinctive pore structure visible in the rough-sawn face, and contrast with the flooring suggest Juglans nigra.