Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to semi-irregular with visible cathedrals and small knot clusters; medium texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is rich dark brown to chocolate; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows typical gray-brown heartwood which will lighten and gain gold tones 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
Fine furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern rough-cut timber; likely air-dried for 1-2 years based on surface oxidation and water-staining marks.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; Not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools; stable with good gluing and finishing properties, though tearout can occur around figure/knots.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; highly prized for dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (Tongue or Danish) to highlight depth, or clear lacquer/polyurethane for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, and knot appearance are classic for Juglans nigra.