Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with semi-ring-porous structure; occasionally features crotch or burl figure near branch junctions
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Wood tends to lighten and take on a golden hue over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 to $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber, though small un-milled logs like this have negligible commercial value until processed.
Wood Age Estimate
The bark suggests a young tree or a smaller branch from a mature tree, likely harvested within the last 1-3 years based on the retention of bark and lack of significant weathering or deep checking.
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; planes and sands easily; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it has a faint distinct odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Features a mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an allelopathic chemical in live trees; dust can cause irritation in some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (like Tung or Linseed) to highlight grain, or a clear lacquer/polyurethane to preserve color; avoid heavy stains that mask the natural chocolate tones.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deeply furrowed, chocolate-brown inner bark under the outer ridges and the overall texture of the 'diamond' patterned bark are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.