Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or curly figure; features a semi-ring-porous structure visible in the end-grain log sections shown.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden-brown to a deep chocolate brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. The wood darkens slightly and loses some purple tint over time.
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, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried select grade lumber; logs are valued lower based on standing timber rates.
Wood Age Estimate
Tree age is approximately 30-45 years based on visible growth ring count in the cross-section; logs appear freshly cut (within 1-3 months) given the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; highly prized for its shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethane are recommended to highlight the natural grain; avoid heavy stains that obscure the natural chocolate tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the deeply furrowed dark bark, clear distinction between narrow sapwood and darker heartwood, and the end-grain pith characteristics are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.