Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but often with wavy or curly figure near limb junctions; semi-ring-porous with distinct annual growth rings visible in the cross-section.
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinctive dark chocolate brown (visible in the central pith/heart area of the cut) while the sapwood is a pale creamy yellow-white. It 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, veneer, flooring, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Central and Eastern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; higher for figured pieces.
Wood Age Estimate
The specific limb shown appears to be 8-12 years old based on ring count; the main log is likely 40-60 years old based on bark thickness and diameter.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in 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; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it has a faint, characteristic odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Produces juglone, a chemical that can be toxic to other plants; distinct mild aromatic scent when cut; high contrast between sapwood and heartwood.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to clear oils (tung or linseed) or polyurethane to enhance the natural dark tones. Sanding to 220 grit is recommended before finishing.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deeply furrowed bark with lichen, the dark chocolate heartwood center, and the creamy sapwood ring is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.