Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with cathedral patterns; medium texture with moderate-sized open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or grayish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it typically lightens to a more golden-brown color with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (Powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible wear, surface scratches, and slight darkening of the cathedral grain suggest this is a mid-aged sample, likely 20-40 years old based on the oxidation and finish patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Occasional tearout can occur on irregular grain sections during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. High tannin content. Dust can be a mild irritant and is toxic to horses (juglone).
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung, linseed) or Danish oil best highlight the depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for flooring and high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the rich brown color, distinct cathedral grain pattern, and visible open-pore structure are characteristic of North American Black Walnut.