Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular; features a fine, open grain texture with occasional swirl or cathedral patterns in flatsawn sections
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown; sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. This sample shows a clear transition between the pale sapwood and potentially darker heartwood edges, with a natural matte luster
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (Heartwood); Resistant to decay but sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, 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 grade
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently milled (less than 1 year); shows rough saw marks, pencil layout lines for turning, and minimal oxidation on the surface
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available in North America
Workability
Excellent; works easily with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands well. Glues and finishes very well, though it has a faint distinct odor when being worked
Notable Features
Mild, pleasant characteristic odor when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild allergen to some; known for exceptional dimensional stability once seasoned
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection; avoid heavy stains to preserve natural color
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive color contrast between the pale sapwood and the developing heartwood tones, combined with the grain pore structure and bark texture visible on the edge, is characteristic of North American Black Walnut