Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with subtle wavy figure and cathedral patterns in the flat-sawn sections; fine to medium texture with naturally high luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown with streaks of purplish or reddish hues; sapwood is creamy white (not visible in the heartwood dominant sample). Wood tends to lighten and take on a golden hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and moderate resistance to insect attack, though sapwood is susceptible.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, musical instruments (mostly acoustic guitar backs), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $16.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 5 years based on the lack of deep oxidation or secondary patina and the presence of clean, machine-planed surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available from FSC certified sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Sharp tools are required to prevent minor tearout in wavy grain areas.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when being worked; known for having one of the best strength-to-weight ratios of any temperate hardwood.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color, or semi-gloss polyurethane for durability. Shellac works well to maintain darker tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the chocolate brown heartwood with its specific grain texture, subtle chatoyance, and pore structure is characteristic of Juglans nigra.