Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Shows typical cathedral patterns on plainsawn surfaces and features small knots and various figure inclusions as seen in this live-edge sample.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is distinct, being creamy white to pale yellow. Over time, it develops a lustrous patina and can lighten slightly toward amber tones under UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf - Medium Hardness
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure; live-edge slabs often command higher prices.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to semi-seasoned rough lumber; shows recent saw marks and minimal surface oxidation, suggesting the cut is likely less than 1-2 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds stain/finish exceptionally. It has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive nutty odor when cut. It contains juglone, which can be an irritant or toxic to some plants and animals, and its dust can be a mild sensitizer for woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (such as Tung oil or Danish oil) are highly recommended to enhance deep chocolate tones and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp contrast between the dark heartwood and creamy sapwood, coupled with the grain structure and surface texture, is characteristic of North American Black Walnut.