Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture with moderate natural luster and fine pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Often develops a rich patina and lightens slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible surface wear, ambering of the finish, and fine scratches suggest a vintage sample, likely 30-50 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, holds nails and screws effectively, and steam-bends easily.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes are preferred to enhance the deep brown color and natural figure.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the visible grain density, warm chocolate-to-amber transition, and diffuse-porous structure are characteristic of finished Black Walnut.