Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse but uniform texture. Visible cathedral patterns on the flat-sawn face and a developing circular crotch or knot figure on the right piece.
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. It tends to lighten over time with UV exposure, developing a warm amber patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Southern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned stock (approx. 0-2 years since processing) based on the crisp edges, lack of significant oxidation, and visible saw marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, and finishes excellently. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tear-out during surfacing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Heartwood contains extractives that can inhibit the growth of certain plants (juglone).
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed), shellac, or clear lacquer to enhance the natural depth of color and chatoyance. A grain filler may be used if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate brown hue, characteristic grain structure, semi-ring-porous end grain visible on the right piece, and typical contrast with sapwood are diagnostic for Juglans nigra.