Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Known for cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards and figured types like burl, crotch, and curly figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, the wood tends to lighten slightly toward a honey-brown patina.
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 turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $20.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; figured slabs can be significantly higher.
Wood Age Estimate
Living specimen; bark texture suggests a mature tree likely between 40 to 80 years old depending on growth rate and diameter.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally have tearout in figured pieces, but generally finishes to a high luster.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant or toxic to certain other plants and sensitive individuals. High natural luster and chatoyance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) beautifully enhance the dark tones. Polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear surfaces. Does not require staining as its natural color is highly prized.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; The deeply furrowed, diamond-shaped ridge pattern of the bark is highly characteristic of mature Juglans nigra, as is the presence of specific lichens and mosses common in its native temperate deciduous forest habitat.