Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but can be irregular; featured ring-porous structure with distinct growth rings in end-grain sections. Potential for figured grain (crotch or burl) near branch junctions.
Color Description
Heartwood is a characteristic dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. Likely to lighten slightly with UV exposure if left unfinished.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable and very resistant to heartwood decay; susceptible to insect attack (sapwood specifically).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Central and Eastern United States).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; as logs/firewood, significantly lower ($100-$300 per cord depending on region).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to several months old (green logs). The appearance of end-checking and the dryness of the bark suggest they have been sitting in the sun for at least a few months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable, though larger timber is becoming rarer.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have tearout if grain is figured. Known for holding stains and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when cut. Juglone content in the wood can be toxic to some plants and can cause allergic reactions in some woodworkers (respiratory/skin).
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Does not typically require staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate-colored heartwood contrasted with thin white sapwood and the deeply furrowed, diamond-patterned bark are classic diagnostic features of Juglans nigra.