Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Wavy and somewhat irregular grain on the face, displaying characteristic cathedral-like swirls and some mild crotch figure where the grain diverts. Generally straight but known for figured variations.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood, sometimes with a gray or purplish cast. The sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. This sample shows a muted, dusty brown typical of unfinished or freshly sanded walnut. It will darken with a finish and develop a rich patina but may lighten over many years of UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (Heartwood); highly resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recent; the wood shows fresh sanding marks, sharp edges, and lacks the deep oxidation or physical wear associated with antique or reclaimed timber. Likely kiln-dried or air-dried within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common for sustainably managed lots.
Workability
Excellent; one of the most enjoyable woods to work with. It planes and sands easily. It glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout on highly figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like scent when being worked. Known for its stability and moderate weight. Contains juglone, though concentrations are lower in the wood than in the roots and husks.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Linseed oil to enhance the natural grain/warmth; Polyurethane for high-wear areas like flooring; Shellac or Lacquer for traditional furniture. Sanding to 220-320 grit is recommended as it takes a high polish.
Identification Confidence
High. The chocolate-brown hue combined with the specific wavy cathedral grain pattern and medium-pore structure is highly characteristic of North American Black Walnut.