Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Features a mix of straight and irregular grain with a prominent cathedral pattern visible around the knot; texture is medium and the grain is typically open.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. This sample shows the characteristic muted, slightly grayish-brown 'raw' state before finishing.
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 items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly surfaced or relatively young stock; lacks the deep oxidation or 'patina' seen in antique reclaimed walnut.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; known for its dimensional stability and shock resistance. Fine dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (Tung or Linseed) or polyurethane to enhance the deep brown tones and natural chatoyance; clear lacquer is also popular for preserving color.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific 'cathedral' grain structure, semi-porous texture, and subtle purplish-brown hue are hallmark indicators of American Black Walnut.