Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium-coarse texture; some wave and cathedral figure present in the wider sections. This sample is flat-sawn displaying characteristic grain arches.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white (distinctively visible in this sample). It develops a rich patina and slightly lightens towards a golden brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Calculated at approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled lumber (less than 1-2 years since processing) based on the sharpness of the grain and lack of deep oxidation or UV-induced fading.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked. High tanning content can react with iron. Fine, uniform texture makes it highly prized for decorative woodworking.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes are highly recommended to enhance the natural chatoyance and depth of color. Polyurethane or lacquer are also suitable for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, contrasting cream-colored sapwood, and specific semi-ring-porous grain structure is characteristic of Juglans nigra.