Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; rings are semi-ring-porous resulting in subtle cathedral patterns when flat-sawn; some crotch figure visible in branch junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. The wood tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable to Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot (processed lumber value; log value is significantly lower).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut logs (green); based on ring counts visible on large rounds, trees appear to be 40 to 60 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices; categorized as Least Concern by IUCN. Widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive, mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone (can be an irritant/toxic to some plants and horses); high luster.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Linseed oil to enhance natural color; Polyurethane for durability; Shellac is also effective for a traditional look.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive dark heartwood contrast with creamy sapwood and the deeply furrowed, dark gray-brown bark are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.