Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Semi-ring-porous wood with straight to irregular grain. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral-like pattern with visible medium-sized pores and subtle wavy figure in the darker transition zone.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white. The sample shows a distinct heartwood-sapwood transition; darkens and yellows slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh; the rough-sawn surface and lack of significant oxidation or UV-darkening suggest the wood was processed recently (within 1-3 years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; holds screws and nails securely. Low risk of tearout except in highly figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and finish-holding properties.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the deep heartwood color. Sanding to higher grits (320+) is easy and rewarding due to its texture.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic pore structure, color contrast between the brown heartwood and pale sapwood, and the specific grain orientation are hallmarks of Juglans nigra.