Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and slightly open-grained with some irregular figure; cathedral patterns visible in flat-sawed sections. High luster with a fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light grayish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale off-white to yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten/yellow over time and with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood 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 Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $10.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent, showing clean industrial cuts and minimal oxidation or patina development.
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 easily, glues well, and takes finishes exceptionally. Can occasionally have figure-related tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are highly recommended to enhance depth. Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in high-use areas. Dyes can be used to blend sapwood.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood transition to cream sapwood, combined with the specific pore structure and grain flow, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.