Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture and moderate natural luster. Visible circular mill marks suggest a rough-sawn flat-sawn orientation.
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/yellow over time with 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 items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently harvested (under 5 years) based on the presence of rough circular saw marks and lack of deep oxidation or silvering.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally exhibit tearout with figured grain, but generally stable.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant or allergen to some users. Known for excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes extremely well. Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are recommended to enhance the deep brown tones and natural chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The dark chocolate heartwood paired with the characteristic pale sapwood and grain texture is highly indicative of Juglans nigra, though the rough surface obscures fine pore details.