Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with cathedral patterns on the face-grain; exhibits subtle feathering and irregular swirls around knots; medium to coarse texture
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; the sample shows significant oxidation or light bleaching (patina); sapwood is pale yellowish-white
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (Heartwood); highly resistant to decay and moderately resistant to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, gunstocks, turning, flooring, and musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years post-harvest; exhibits significant oxidation, grey-brown weathering, and visible circular saw marks typical of mid-20th-century milling
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN; widely available through FSC certified sources
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well; can experience minor tear-out with figured grain during planing
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when worked; contains juglone (mild allergen); prized for its shock resistance and dimensional stability
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for drying oils (boiled linseed or tung) or clear polyurethane to enhance natural color; avoid dark stains that hide natural grain contrast
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood, pore structure, and 'cathedral' figure are definitive indicators of Juglans nigra