Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy figure; shows a classic semi-porous face grain with fine textured pores and subtle growth ring contrast.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from deep chocolate brown to a lighter pale brown; sapwood is creamy white and typically removed or steamed to match. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is rated as very resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade; figured pieces can be significantly higher.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears newly surfaced or milled, showing fresh brown hues without the significant ambering or oxidation associated with reclaimed wood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern. Widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can be prone to tearout in areas with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with oils (tung or linseed) or clear film finishes (lacquer or polyurethane) to highlight the natural chocolate tones without muddying the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore structure, and grain texture are highly diagnostic of American Black Walnut.