Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular/wavy; visible cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections and some crotch figure near branch junctions or knots
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a more golden brown.
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 paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot for live-edge slabs, depending on width and figure
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently harvested (under 1 year) based on the presence of intact, fibrous bark and lack of significant UV graying or oxidation on the face
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 well and glues/finishes easily. Can exhibit some grain tear-out if the grain is irregular near knots
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some users; prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance
Finish Recommendations
Varnish, lacquer, or oils (such as tung or linseed) are recommended to enhance the natural dark tones and luster; film finishes provide better protection for flat surfaces
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the dark chocolate heartwood contrasting with the narrow creamy sapwood, the fibrous bark texture (typical of Juglans), and the characteristic grain structure is diagnostic of Black Walnut.