Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral figures; grain is generally straight but can be irregular; medium texture with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray. This sample shows typical oxidation toward a lighter yellowish-brown over time.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years based on the ambering of the finish and the characteristic mellowing/lightening of the walnut heartwood pigment.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can produce tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Fine dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance the depth, or clear polyurethane/lacquer to protect the color from further fading.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific chocolate-to-tan color transitions, visible semi-ring-porous structure, and classic cathedral grain arches are hallmark traits of Juglans nigra.