Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. This sample shows a fairly straight to slightly wavy flat-sawn grain with visible growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows the characteristic deep chocolate brown with a dull luster due to surface dust.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and small specialty wood objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample, likely seasoned within the last 5-10 years based on the crispness of the cut and lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, turns, and carves well. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it is rarely stained.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen; noted for excellent dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oils (boiled linseed or tung oil) which pop the grain; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection while maintaining color.
Identification Confidence
High. The deep chocolate color combined with the specific pore structure and grain transition is classic for Juglans nigra.