Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to cathedral with slight irregularities; some boards show flat-sawn figure with medium-to-coarse texture and prominent growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a creamy chocolate brown to dark coffee brown with dark streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray and seen on edges. The wood will lighten to a golden brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack (Powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width grade.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years; significant surface oxidation, graying patina, and localized surface staining suggest old stock stored in a workshop or barn environment.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Can have figured grain that causes plane tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild and pleasant scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; excellent dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to enhance depth; polyurethane or lacquer for durability; no staining required due to natural richness.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown heartwood, characteristic gray-white sapwood transition, and coarse open-grain texture are diagnostic for Juglans nigra.