Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with some cathedral figure; texture is medium and the grain is typically semi-ring-porous.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, the color tends to lighten and take on a more golden-brown hue.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears clean and kiln-dried with minimal oxidation, suggesting it is likely less than 5 years old since milling.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, stains, and finishes excellently. It has a faint, mild odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive chocolate color; emits a pleasant, mild scent during woodworking. It is known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural color; polyurethane provides durability for high-wear areas; shellac or lacquer works well for decorative items.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore structure, and classic cathedral grain pattern on the flat-sawn face are hallmark traits of North American Black Walnut.