Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a semi-porous texture; flat-sawn displaying typical cathedral patterns and some open-pore grain visible.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray. The wood often develops a lighter golden patina over many years of light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, paneling, and woodturning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Roughly 20–40 years since harvest; based on the significant oxidation, surface grime, and deep patina suggesting long-term secondary storage.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth gloss finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content. Relatively lightweight for its strength and very dimensionally stable after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed) beautifully enhance the natural color. Polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, open-grain vessel structure, and the way the wood has oxidized are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.