Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a moderately coarse texture with a medium-sized pore structure and a slight cathedral figure typical of flat-sawn boards.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
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, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock, likely 1-5 years post-processing based on the surface oxidation and lack of deep patina or historical tool marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have tearout in areas of irregular grain. Responds very well to steam bending.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (like Tung or Linseed) to enhance depth, or clear polyurethane for protection; finishes to a high natural luster.
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, and characteristic texture are diagnostic of North American Black Walnut.