Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Known for cathedral figures in flat-sawn boards and highly prized crotch or burl figure near the base/roots.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to a deep chocolate brown. Sapwood is creamy white. Over time, it gains a warm, amber-like patina and can lighten slightly under UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
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 North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber, significantly higher for figured or wide slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
Living tree, approximately 40 to 60 years old based on bark thickness and trunk diameter shown in the image.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; holds screws and nails securely. Polishes to a high natural luster.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains moderate amounts of tannins. Heartwood is known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear finishes like tung oil, linseed oil, or polyurethane to highlight the deep natural color. Does not require staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep-fissured, blocky 'alligator' bark texture, dark inner bark visible in crevices, and the surrounding leaf litter (pinnately compound leaflets) are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.