Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features prominent cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections and moderate figure including some wavy areas and occasional crotch figure near branches.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. It has a dull to medium luster and an attractive chatoyance when finished. It tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (especially sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs, depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 2-5 years since harvesting based on the oxidation level and checking at the end grain; the tree was likely 60-80 years old based on slab width.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with managed harvesting.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands easily. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though the dust can be an irritant/sensitizer to some.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked; contains juglone (a mild toxin); prized for its strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for drying oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural figure, or wipe-on polyurethanes for protection. Shellac is an excellent sealer to prevent grain raising if water-based finishes are used.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood color, distinct cathedral grain on the face, and the presence of typical checking on the end grain are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.