Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with semi-porous texture; visible cathedral growth rings on the face with some slight irregular figure near the branch junction.
Color Description
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with a thin pale yellowish-white circle of sapwood; tends to lighten or turn more golden-brown over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut (under 1 month) based on wet moisture content and lack of oxidation on the fresh face; tree age approx. 25-40 years based on ring count.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; Not CITES listed and classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though can produce fuzzy grain if tools are dull.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when cut; contains juglone (a mild toxin); prized for its stability and medium density.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection. UV-inhibitors are recommended to prevent lightening.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, narrow sapwood transition, and rough deeply-furrowed grey bark is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.