Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible cathedral patterns and moderate figure; diffuse-porous texture with slight waves typical of flat-sawn cuts.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with grayish-tan undertones and visible darker streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten and take on gold/amber tones with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or raw (undressed), showing modern rough-sawn surfacing marks and minimal oxidation, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years.
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 and glues well; takes stains and finishes excellently, though the dust can be an irritant/sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants and horses. Highly prized for its stability and aesthetic depth.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes (like Danish oil or Arm-R-Seal) are recommended to enhance chatoyance and depth. Clear polyurethane or lacquer also work well.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pore structure, specific mocha-brown color palette, and the characteristic cathedral grain visible in the flat-sawn section are diagnostic of Juglans nigra.