Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible cathedral patterns and slight irregular figure near the knots; fine to medium texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with creamy white sapwood visible at the live edge; exhibits a dull luster that develops a honey-colored patina and mellows with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior paneling, gunstocks, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest wood age is estimated at 2-5 years based on the oxidation level and surface checking; the source tree was likely 60-80 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some; prized for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance the deep brown tones, or clear polyurethane for durability; avoid heavy stains that mask the natural grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate heartwood transition to light sapwood, coupled with the specific pore structure and radial checking patterns, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.