Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, though occasionally wavy or curly; can exhibit cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections and irregular crotch figures near limb attachments.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is a distinct pale yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack (especially powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and small wood turnings.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, primarily in the Central and Eastern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for kiln-dried FAS grade; lower for green logs.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh-cut logs (estimated 1-6 months post-harvest) based on the presence of intact bark and limited checking/graying on the end grain surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent; works very well with both hand and machine tools. Planes smoothly, glues and finishes exceptionally well, though the dust can be an irritant/sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when worked. Contains juglone, which is toxic to some plants and animals. Known for its moderate weight and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or an oil-based polyurethane are recommended to highlight depth and figure. Accepts most stains well, though it is usually left natural to showcase its color.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the dark heartwood contrast with thin light sapwood and the deeply furrowed, 'alligator skin' bark texture are characteristic of Black Walnut logs.