Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with wavy or curly figure. This sample shows a predominantly straight but slightly wavy face grain with cathedral-like arches toward the left edge.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample exhibits typical grayish-brown heartwood tones; walnut tends to lighten over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack)
Common Uses
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
$10.00 – $15.00 per board foot for premium domestic grades.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern surface, likely freshly planed or sanded within the last 1-5 years, showing minimal UV oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes well. It can have a mild, characteristic odor while being worked.
Notable Features
Faint, chocolate-like scent when being worked; high contrast between heartwood and sapwood; contains juglone (a mild toxin); prized for its dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Danish oil or Tung oil) are highly recommended to enhance color and luster. Polyurethane or lacquer also work well for durability.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive grayish-brown color, diffuse-porous grain structure visible on the face, and characteristic cathedral figure patterns are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.