Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but irregular at the knots; flat-sawn displaying cathedral patterns and some wavy figure near branch junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale creamy yellow to tan (clearly visible on the left edge). Wood tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack (especially sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently harvested or reclaimed log sections; surfaces show rough mill marks and minimal oxidation, suggesting they were cut within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, holds glue well, and finishes to a high luster, though knots and figured areas may require light sanding to prevent tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content can cause dark staining if in contact with iron and moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) or Danish oil excel at highlighting the depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide more protection for heavy-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp contrast between the creamy sapwood and deep chocolate heartwood, combined with the specific grain texture and the presence of rough-cut sawmill marks, is characteristic of Juglans nigra.