Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with occasional wavy figure and cathedral patterns in the flat-sawn sections; fine, uniform texture with visible growth rings and minor pinning knots.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to rich dark chocolate brown; sapwood is pale creamy yellow to tan (exhibited in the lighter boards shown). Walnut tends to lighten or amber slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneers, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (depending on width and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years; based on the oxidized patina, hardware style (latch and rod mechanism), and moderate surface wear and staining.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes smoothly, glues well, and takes a high polish. Can have occasional tearout on figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some; prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color; clear lacquer or polyurethane for protection. Avoid stains to preserve natural color variation.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic contrast between the chocolate heartwood and creamy sapwood, combined with the specific grain architecture and patina, is indicative of North American Black Walnut.