Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with some wavy or curly figure possible; cathedral grain is visible on this flat-sawn board. The texture is medium and the grain is open-pored.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows the characteristic deep purplish-brown oxidation of air-dried walnut.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to 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 North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 20 years old) based on the surface milling and lack of deep heavy oxidation or historical tool marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout if the grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild scent during woodworking; high tannin content; known for its stability and steam-bending capabilities. Dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (Tong, Danish) or clear lacquers and polyurethanes to showcase the natural richness; avoid heavy stains which mask the natural chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, cathedral grain patterns, and pore structure are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.