Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a semi-diffuse porous structure; features classic cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face and medium-to-coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is characteristic pale yellow-grey. Color tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be freshly surfaced or relatively modern stock (1-5 years post-processing) based on the lack of deep oxidation and sharp mechanical cut marks visible.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes well, glues reliably, and takes a high polish. Can have occasional tearout in figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and being one of the only dark-colored hardwoods native to temperate regions.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural figure, or clear polyurethane for durability. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural deep hues.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, open-grain pore structure, and the presence of the cream-colored sapwood edge are hallmark traits of Juglans nigra.