Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular; features a medium texture and moderate natural luster. Common cathedral patterns often appear in flat-sawn boards.
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. Color tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Post-processing sample, appears to be relatively modern stock (less than 10 years old) based on the lack of deep oxidation and surface wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. It develops a rich finish and holds stain well, though it is usually left natural.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep grain; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the chocolate brown color and characteristic pore structure visible in the grain are highly indicative of Juglans nigra, though some tropical mahoganies can occasionally mimic the hue.