Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral grain with fine, open pores and a medium texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, the wood tends to become more golden-brown upon exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (roughly 1-5 years post-processing) based on the clean surfacing, lack of significant oxidation, and sharp edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable within the US.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, stains, and finishes very well, though a surfacing bit is recommended for figured areas to avoid tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (such as Tung or Danish oil) to highlight the grain, or a clear lacquer/polyurethane for durability. Does not require staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore structure, and classic cathedral grain pattern are quintessential of North American Black Walnut.