Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with semi-ring-porous wood. Exhibits cathedral patterns in flat-sawn cuts and occasional crotch or burl figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purple or reddish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Wood darkens slightly with age but can lighten to a golden brown if exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, flooring, and specialty wooden turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for 4/4 Select & Better Grade; prices fluctuate based on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree in the image appears to be a sapling approximately 5 to 10 years old based on diameter and characteristic bark texture of immature specimens.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably throughout its range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands easily, takes glue well, and holds screws/nails securely. Dulls cutters slightly more than softer woods due to moderate density but finishes very smoothly.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can inhibit the growth of certain other plants. Known for exceptional dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (like Tung or Linseed) to enhance depth. Clear lacquers and polyurethanes provide excellent protection, though it is often finished naturally to showcase the chocolate color.
Identification Confidence
High (Bark texture, surrounding leaf litter consistent with North American deciduous forests, and visible heartwood exposed near the base damage characteristic of Juglans nigra).