Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with some slight waviness; displays a medium fine texture with natural figure/streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a lighter pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Often develops a mellow honey-brown patina with exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, gunstocks, turned objects, and solid flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for Select/Better Grade
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or modern architectural surface; lacks deep oxidation or historical wear patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes have tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant, mild scent when being worked; known for its exceptional dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; clear lacquer or water-based polyurethane to preserve current tone.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the semi-porous grain structure, distinctive chocolate-brown heartwood streaks against the lighter substrate, and the specific texture is characteristic of Juglans nigra.