Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Can feature cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards and highly prized crotch or burl figures.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Identifying from a living sapling: This specimen appears to be 1-2 years old based on the young, green pinnate foliage and slender red-tinted petioles.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Known for holding sharp edges and being very stable.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain other plants and may cause skin irritation in some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Best highlighted with penetrating oils (Tung or Danish oil) or clear polyurethane/lacquer to showcase natural depth and chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the image shows the diagnostic alternate pinnately compound leaves with a missing or suppressed terminal leaflet and reddish petioles characteristic of Juglans nigra saplings.