Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; notably develops attractive cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces and crotch figure at limb junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale off-white to yellowish gray. It develops a rich patina and tends to lighten slightly over time if exposed to high UV.
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, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, 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
Freshly cut to 1 year; the bark shows minimal weathering/detachment and the exposed wood face exhibits light oxidation typical of recent harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent; one of the easiest hardwoods to work with. It planes and glues well, although the dust can be a respiratory irritant for some.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which acts as a natural herbicide. Known for its dark, rich color without the need for staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oils (tung or linseed) and waxes are preferred to enhance natural color and chatoyance without plasticizing the look.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the thick, deeply furrowed, dark grayish-brown bark is highly characteristic of Juglans nigra, and the visible grain on the cut face aligns with walnut's pore structure.