Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with curly or wavy figure; moderate texture with a slight cathedral patterning visible in the flat-sawn surface.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is creamy white. Color tends to lighten toward a yellowish-brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the oxidation of the finish and slight rounding of the edges from wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes excellently. Note: Dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the natural grain; clear topcoats help preserve the dark color longer.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown hue combined with the diffuse-porous grain structure and specific oxidation pattern is characteristic of North American Black Walnut.