Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture with relatively large, open pores. End grain shows distinct semi-ring-porous growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to a deep chocolate brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. The color typically lightens or becomes more yellow-orange over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade lumber; higher for figured pieces.
Wood Age Estimate
The log portion appears to be a branch or small tree roughly 15-25 years old based on ring count density; the cut is fresh with minimal oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, holds nails/screws effectively, and takes finishes excellently. Can occasionally cause blunting of cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Juglone in the wood can be a mild irritant to some users.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (Linseed or Tung) to highlight natural color, or clear polyurethane for protection. Does not require staining.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the dark heartwood, contrasting light sapwood, and deeply furrowed bark with lichen growth are classic indicators of Juglans nigra, though without a clean planed surface, some species of Butternut or related Juglans could look similar.