Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be irregular or wavy; in log form, shows distinct annual growth rings with semi-ring-porous structure and potential for crotch figure at limb junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale off-white to yellowish-grey. Color tends to lighten and become more golden-brown over time with 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 paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for kiln-dried select grade; log value is lower but varies by veneer quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Raw logs from mature trees likely 40-70 years old based on diameter and growth ring density. Freshly cut as indicated by high sapwood contrast and lack of oxidation/weathering on the end grain.
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. It planes, turns, and sands well. Glues and finishes very easily, though it has a faint, characteristic odor when worked.
Notable Features
Produces a distinct, mild spicy scent when cut. Contains juglone, which can be a mild irritant. Highly prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung oil, linseed oil) which enhance the dark color. Clear polyurethanes or lacquers are also common to preserve the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the dark chocolate heartwood surrounded by a narrow, stark white sapwood ring combined with the deeply furrowed, ridged bark is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.