Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible wavy figure and cathedral patterns in the flat-sawn sections; medium texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to dark chocolate brown with dark streaks. Sapwood is creamy white to pale yellowish. It tends to lighten and take on a golden hue with age and 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 trim, flooring, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-processing sample (milled); oxidation levels suggest it has been air or kiln dried recently (within 1-5 years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can occasionally produce tearout in figured areas.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil to highlight depth; polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Does not typically require staining due to natural beauty.
Identification Confidence
High; the contrast between the chocolate heartwood and creamy sapwood, combined with the specific pore structure and grain movement, is characteristic of North American Black Walnut.