Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a central cathedral figure; features a semi-ring-porous texture and occasional wavy characteristics near the sapwood transition.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown. This sample shows the lighter grayish-brown sapwood transitioning into the heartwood, often developing a warmer patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced (under 1 year) based on the lack of deep oxidation and visible planer marks on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though the dust can be an irritant.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild odor when being worked; contains juglone which can be toxic to certain plants and horses; prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethane to highlight natural color; avoid heavy stains that mask the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the color transition between sapwood and heartwood, combined with the specific cathedral grain and pore structure, is signature for decorative North American Walnut.