Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. This sample shows prominent cathedral grain figure with flat-sawn orientation and occasional crotch-like swirling.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a light pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. The wood tends to lighten and become more golden-yellow over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be of modern manufacture (within the last 10-30 years), evidenced by the clean, sharp joinery and contemporary high-gloss finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, stains, and finishes excellently. It has a mild, distinct odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive walnut scent when cut; contains juglone (mildly toxic to some plants); prized for its dimensional stability and balance of weight-to-strength.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for modern furniture as seen here. It also responds beautifully to oil and wax to enhance natural depth and chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate color palette, deep cathedral grain patterns, and usage in high-quality case goods are diagnostic for Black Walnut.