Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight with visible cathedral patterns and slight irregular figure near the live edge; medium texture with semi-ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten and take on a golden patina 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 paneling, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Rough-sawn state suggests it is recently milled or stored (under 5 years), based on the presence of bark (live edge) and minimal oxidation patination.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and holds screws/nails effectively. Steam-bends well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when worked. Contains moderate tannins. Dust can be a sensitizer/irritant to some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to highlight natural depth, or polyurethane/lacquer for high-traffic surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood color contrasted with the pale sapwood and the specific bark texture is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.