Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; notable for cathedral figure when flat-sawn and occasionally exhibits crotch or burl patterns.
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. Color 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, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut (green) logs; the bright contrast between the dark heartwood and light sapwood indicates recent felling (likely within weeks).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, and takes finishes exceptionally. It can have a dulling effect on cutters if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Danish or Tung oil) are highly recommended to enhance natural depth; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate-brown heartwood surrounded by a thin, distinct white sapwood ring and the characteristic blocky, deeply furrowed bark are diagnostic for Black Walnut.