Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with medium texture; some cathedral figure is visible in the flat-sawn surface. Exhibits moderate pore structure characteristic of semi-ring-porous wood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it moves from a dark chocolate toward a warmer honey-golden brown.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance and rot. Moderately resistant to insect attack, though sapwood is susceptible.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, musical instruments, turned items, and decorative small wood objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with industrial surface preparation marks. Patina suggests it is recently surfaced raw lumber or rough-cut stock, likely less than 5 years since harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Responds beautifully to steam bending. Dust can be a mild irritant to some users.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants; moderately heavy and renowned for its dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to highlight natural luster. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for durability on tabletops. No staining recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-to-grey heartwood color combined with the distinct pore arrangement and diffuse-porous grain pattern is highly indicative of Juglans nigra.