Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Visible as ring-porous grain in the cross-section shown with distinct growth rings; possible crotch figure where branches intersect.
Color Description
Dark brown heartwood (chocolate-colored) with a distinct thin ring of creamy white/yellowish sapwood. The heartwood will often lighten and gain a golden patina with age and 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 trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut; the tree looks to be approximately 25-35 years old based on visible ring density and diameter.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; holds stains and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Faint, mild nutty scent when being worked. Known for its rich dark color and exceptional dimensional stability. Dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for professional durability.
Identification Confidence
High. The dark chocolate heartwood contrast against the thin white sapwood, combined with the deeply furrowed gray-brown bark and the presence of oak-like leaves in the background, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.