Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with subtle wavy/curly figure; appears flat-sawn with characteristic medium, open texture
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown with darker streaks and a subtle purple hue typical of freshly surfaced walnut; sapwood is pale yellow-gray; turns more golden-brown as it ages
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Canada (Eastern North America)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/kiln dried; minimal oxidation or patina suggests the sample has been recently surfaced or is less than 5 years old
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though can be prone to slight grain tearout on figured areas during planing
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; known for exceptional dimensional stability and high strength-to-weight ratio
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oil or Danish oil to enhance depth and figure; polyurethane for high-wear areas; no wood filler typically required for a natural look
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate-brown hues, diffuse-porous grain structure, and subtle chatoyance are hallmark characteristics of Juglans nigra