Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with wavy grain and a distinctive knot-related figure in the center.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time and with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely dried within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it holds a sharp edge better than most woods of similar density.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oils (tung or linseed) and clear coats like polyurethane or lacquer to highlight the natural dark tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the color, cathedral grain pattern, and specific pore structure visible in the flat-sawn face are characteristic of North American Black Walnut.