Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features semi-ring-porous structure with medium to coarse texture. Crotch and burl figures are common in large logs.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is creamy white. Wood tends to lighten over time with 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 turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently harvested log (green); showing natural oxidation on the end grain with minimal seasoning checks.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; polyurethane or lacquer for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep chocolate heartwood, distinct creamy sapwood, and deeply furrowed bark is characteristic of Black Walnut.