Black Walnut (Sapwood and transition heartwood)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with some cathedral patterning visible in the flat-sawn face; features characteristic long-pore vessel lines
Color Description
Predominantly pale yellowish-white sapwood with streaks of brownish-purple heartwood color bleed; heartwood typically turns darker chocolate brown with age while sapwood may yellow
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Heartwood is Very Durable; Sapwood is Non-durable and susceptible to insect attack and rot
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, musical instruments (guitars), and interior trim
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot (pricing varies significantly between sapwood and heartwood content)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/freshly milled (under 2 years) based on the lack of significant graying/oxidation and the presence of rough mill marks and checks
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 extremely well, though sapwood requires careful color matching
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy nut-like scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some users; very stable once dried
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or polyurethane to enhance the color contrast; clear coats are preferred to show natural grain
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous structure, characteristic color transition between sap and heartwood, and grain texture is diagnostic for Juglans nigra