Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible cathedral patterns in the heartwood/sapwood transition; medium texture with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a deep chocolate brown to a light grayish-brown (as seen in the lower section), while the sapwood is a distinct creamy white to pale yellowish-gray (upper section). Wood typically darkens/mellows slightly with age, though heartwood can lighten slightly if exposed to intense UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot (depending on width and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently milled lumber (green/unseasoned appearance); minimal oxidation or patina suggests the sample is less than 1 year old since processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. It can occasionally have tearout in areas of figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild allergen for some. Famous for its excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Often finished with oils or clear polyurethane to highlight the natural color contrast between heartwood and sapwood. Doesn't usually require stain.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood transition into creamy white sapwood, combined with the diffuse-porous grain structure, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.