Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with some mild cathedral waves; features a medium-to-coarse texture and a slightly open-pore structure common in flat-sawn cuts.
Color Description
A mix of creamy-white sapwood (on the left edge) and grayish-brown heartwood. The heartwood will likely darken to a deep chocolate brown with a rich patina over time if finished, though it can fade to yellow-brown with heavy UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; the heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, luxury flooring, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled stock (under 2 years); the surface shows light oxidation and lack of deep patina or significant wear common in reclaimed material.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, though some tearout can occur in figured sections. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining if in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or wiping varnish to enhance natural depth; polyurethane for high-wear areas like flooring. Grain filling may be used if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic grayish-brown heartwood transition to creamy sapwood, coupled with the specific pore structure and grain movement, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.