Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be irregular; the bark shows deep vertical furrows and a rough texture common in mature specimens. Internal grain is likely cathedral-patterned if flat-sawn.
Color Description
Bark is dark grey-brown with deep dark furrows. Heartwood is typically dark chocolate brown to purplish-black; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Darkens and rich patinas develop with age.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay/rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested or recently split log based on the presence of loose sawdust and lack of significant weathering on the exposed wood fiber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Minor risk of tearout on figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone (a mild toxin). Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Deepens beautifully with tung oil or boiled linseed oil; clear polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to protect the rich natural color.
Identification Confidence
Medium; Bark characteristics (deeply furrowed, dark grey-brown) and the visible transition to dark heartwood are highly characteristic of Juglans nigra, though a view of the end-grain and heartwood face would finalize the ID.