Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with notable wavy/curly figure in sections; flat-sawn with characteristic cathedral patterns and some crotch-like shimmering figure near the transition zones.
Color Description
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with some purplish undertones; distinct pale yellowish-gray sapwood. Usually lightens over time with UV exposure to a golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
12.00 to 20.00 USD per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled/surfaced lumber showing fresh coloration and no significant oxidation or patina; approximately 1-5 years from harvest.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Irregular grain patterns can cause tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; can be a sensitizer/irritant to some; high coffee-like aesthetics and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Clear coats are preferred to maintain natural color.
Identification Confidence
High; the transition between the dark heartwood and creamy sapwood, coupled with the semi-ring-porous grain structure and purplish-brown hue, is diagnostic for Black Walnut.