Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible cathedral patterns; coarse, open-textured grain with occasional waves and visible rough-sawn mill marks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich, dark chocolate brown to purplish-black with lighter tan/yellowish sapwood visible on edges. Darkens and yellows slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack (Powderpost beetles) but highly resistant to rot.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and specialty wooden objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Southern Ontario to the Gulf Coast.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $14.00 per board foot depending on width and grade (FAS).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent rough-milled stock; surface oxidation suggests the sample has been stored for 6-12 months but is not antique.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Minor tearout can occur in figured sections; steam-bends well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability. Dust can be a sensitizer/irritant for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) and waxes to highlight deep color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic deep brown hue, open grain structure, and rough milling pattern are classic indicators of American Black Walnut.