Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; very fine, uniform texture with slight cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it moves toward a warmer honey-brown color; light exposure lightens the wood slightly.
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 trim, flooring, veneer, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears mid-conversion or from a finished piece, approximately 5-15 years old based on the depth of oxidation and semi-gloss finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both machine and hand tools; planes smoothly, glues and finishes exceptionally well, though can produce brittle tear-out on figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive, faint spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; highly prized for its shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are preferred to enhance deep color; clear lacquer or polyurethane for durability in high-traffic use.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the chocolate brown heartwood transition and fine texture are classic indicators of Walnut, though the lighting and finish make it difficult to distinguish from stained Maple or Cherry.