Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or curly figure; texture is medium and pores are semi-ring-porous.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it develops a honey-like patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very 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 United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years based on the depth of the dark oxidation and surface patina visible under the finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can provide some tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked; contains juglone, which can cause skin irritation in some individuals; highly prized for its stability and luster.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (such as tung or linseed oil) enhance the natural darkness; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection and depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deep chocolate tones, diffused pore structure seen in the grain, and characteristic subtle shimmer under the finish are indicative of Juglans nigra.