Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with visible open pores; flat-sawn orientation showing characteristic cathedral patterns and subtle figured streaks
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light dingy brown to dark coffee brown with purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. It typically lightens and yellows slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to 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 wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade (FAS)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; the freshly sanded/machined surface suggests a recent cut from kiln-dried stock, showing minimal oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; holds stains and finishes exceptionally. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; famous for its stability and beautiful finishing luster.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance depth, or clear polyurethane/lacquer for protection. No pre-stain needed as natural color is highly prized.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, distinct diffuse-porous structure, and purplish color transitions is diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.