Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Shows cathedral figure and wavy, irregular grain patterns. Includes swirly figure often found near knots or crotches.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Typically darkens or yellows slightly with age and 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 paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated at 10 to 30 years based on the deep oxidation and ambering of the finish present on the sample.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though irregular grain can occasionally cause tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) are preferred to enhance the natural depth and figure of the grain.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the color transition between heartwood and sapwood, combined with the specific 'cathedral' grain swirl and pore structure visible in the figure, are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.