Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with curly or wavy figures; shows typical walnut growth rings and cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. Over time, it gains a warm honey-colored patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figured grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely 0-10 years since harvesting/milling based on the sharp edges and lack of deep oxidation or historic tool marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed by CITES or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though can produce a characteristic odor during working.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone; prized for high dimensional stability and fine texture.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance chatoyancy; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection. No pre-stain conditioner needed.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate heartwood transition to light sapwood, coupled with the semi-ring porous grain structure and medium texture, is diagnostic of Juglans nigra.