Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with some localized swirling around knot areas and visible medullary rays.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample displays significant transition between heart and sapwood with a dull luster typical of air-dried walnut.
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 trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade (prices vary significantly by region and width).
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or surfaced (likely 1-5 years post-harvest) based on sharp planar marks and lack of deep surface oxidation or UV-induced ambering.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout when planing irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (Tong or Danish oil) to highlight grain; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Does not require staining as its natural color is highly prized.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, open-pored diffuse-porous grain structure, and the specific transition to creamy sapwood are definitive diagnostic features of Juglans nigra.