Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but often with irregular or wavy patterns; flat-sawn displaying cathedral figures and subtle burl clusters in sections.
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. Typically darkens and develops a rich patina over time, though it may lighten slightly if exposed to heavy UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack compared to some cedars.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and defect-free grading.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the depth of color and surface wear, the sample appears to be from finished furniture approximately 20 to 40 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands very smoothly. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it has a faint, characteristic odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone (a mild allergen); known for exceptional dimensional stability and acoustic properties in musical instruments.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for tabletops.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate tones, characteristic cathedral grain growth rings, and semi-porous texture are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.