Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but with some irregularity around knots; characterized by a medium texture and a flat-sawn cathedral appearance with visible open pores.
Color Description
The heartwood is a grayish-brown with darker streaks. The sapwood is a distinct creamy white to pale yellow. It features low natural luster and typically lightens in color when exposed to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber; the surface shows recent planer/machine marks and minimal oxidation, suggesting it was processed within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, holds stain/finish exceptionally well, and glues easily, though knots can cause minor tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance the grain, or clear polyurethane/lacquer to preserve look. Use of a sealer is recommended for the sapwood to even out absorption.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, creamy sapwood, specific knot structure, and pore distribution on the face grain is diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.