Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium-coarse texture; exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral arc beginning to form at the bottom with open poricity visible in the vertical vessel lines
Color Description
Rich chocolate brown heartwood with subtle purple undertones and olive-grey highlights; features medium luster and will typically lighten toward an amber-yellow over time with UV exposure
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; highly resistant to heartwood rot but susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, musical instruments, and small turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, primarily the Central and Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled stock (under 1-2 years) based on the lack of significant UV bleaching and the crispness of the machine-cut edges
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth finish
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen; noted for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance
Finish Recommendations
Pure tung oil or boiled linseed oil to pop the grain; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Avoid dark stains that mask the natural character
Identification Confidence
High; the deep coffee-brown coloration combined with the specific large-pore vessel arrangement and semi-ring-porous structure is classic for North American Black Walnut