Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with some cathedral figuring; medium texture with semi-open pores. Exhibits some local swirling and figure typical of flat-sawn planks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Grayish-white sapwood is visible near the joint. It typically lightens over time upon exposure to UV light, developing a golden-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, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; likely less than 10-20 years since harvest based on the surface condition and typical production age of contemporary furniture panels.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steaming for bending. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally have irregular grain that causes minor tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, faint scent when being worked; contains juglone (a mild toxin); prized for its aesthetic contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep color and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection for high-use surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate tones, specific pore structure, and the characteristic transition between the dark heartwood and creamy sapwood are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.