Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Shows distinct growth rings and occasional burl or crotch figure near limb attachments.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale semi-white to yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten 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
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut greenish-to-brown log; growth rings suggest a tree age of approximately 40 to 60 years.
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. Planes and glues well. Can occasionally exhibit tearout if grain is figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy nut-like odor when being worked. Known for containing juglone, which can be an irritant to some individuals and toxic to certain plants.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance its natural depth. Also takes waxes and polyurethanes easily.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood, distinct yellowish sapwood ring, and the presence of English Ivy (Hedera helix) on the bark are consistent with a North American Black Walnut log.