Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with medium texture; features cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces and occasional figure or dark streaks.
Color Description
Rich chocolate brown heartwood with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. It has a moderate natural luster and 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, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample likely aged between 5-15 years based on visible oxidation state and surface finish texture.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though grain can occasionally tear out if irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; famous for its stability and steam-bending properties.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil finishes (boiled linseed or tung oil) to enhance depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer is often used for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic deep chocolate brown hue combined with the stark contrast of the pale sapwood and open-pore structure is definitive for American Black Walnut.