Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with some wavy grain near knots. Features a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the face with visible growth rings and few small knots.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from deep chocolate brown to a lighter, grayish tan. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often develops a warmer patina over time and lightens slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears relatively fresh-cut or recently planed given the lack of deep oxidation, though the knot oxidation suggests it may have been harvested 1-5 years ago.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout if the grain is irregular near knots.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High contrast between heartwood and sapwood. Known for its dimensional stability after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or tung oil to enhance the natural color; polyurethane or lacquer for high-use surfaces; avoid heavy stains that mask the natural grain and color.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood, distinct creamy sapwood, grain structure, and typical knot appearance are diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.