Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or curly. Features cathedral patterns when flat-sawn and exhibits a medium texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is creamy white to grey-yellow. Color lightens over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The bark texture and thickness suggest a limb or young trunk approximately 15-25 years old.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; not CITES listed and classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can develop fuzzy grain if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant. Prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Satin polyurethane or tung oil to highlight depth. High-quality wax can enhance the natural luster. No pre-stain sealer is typically required.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the deeply furrowed, dark 'diamond' pattern bark and chocolate-colored inner wood visible at the cut edge.