Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, with occasional cathedral patterns; flat-sawn texture visible on furniture and flooring.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich chocolate brown that lightens with age; sapwood is pale creamy yellow, often steamed to match heartwood.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior flooring, gunstocks, veneers, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (5-10 years) based on typical residential construction and matte finish quality.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent; easy to work with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains natural tannins; prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils or clear polyurethanes to showcase natural color; no staining required.
Identification Confidence
High; identification based on the characteristic deep chocolate hue and grain architecture seen in the flooring and furniture accent.