Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with a natural luster. This sample shows a fairly straight flat-sawn grain with slight cathedral peaking and small knots or darker mineral streaks typical of the species.
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. Over time, it moves from dark brown to a more golden brown with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
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, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to moderately seasoned (under 5 years) based on the vibrant surface color and lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Commonly considered one of the easiest woods to work with; planes and sands well, glues easily, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. Occasional tearout can occur in figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; high tannin content; known for its superior dimensional stability and beautiful finishing qualities.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or shellac to highlight the natural depth; polyurethane for high-wear surfaces like tables or flooring.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, and typical mineral streaks are consistent with North American Black Walnut.