Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium texture; exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with some slight waviness characteristic of domestic walnut.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks; the color typically lightens over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Likely modern cut (less than 20 years) based on the surface roughness and lack of deep oxidation or historic patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked; known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep chocolate tones; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deep brown color, characteristic grain structure, and visible pore distribution are highly consistent with Juglans nigra.