Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waves; semi-ring-porous structure with visible growth rings and a dense, circular figure in the heartwood section.
Color Description
Creamy white to yellowish-tan sapwood with a distinctly darker, chocolate brown to grayish-brown heartwood. Colors will mellow with light exposure, often lightening into a golden brown over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for high-grade lumber, though log value is lower.
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree appears to have been approximately 25-35 years old based on grain ring count; the sample is freshly cut with minimal oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, earthy scent when freshly cut. Heartwood contains natural chemicals that make it rot-resistant. Dust can be an irritant to skin and respiratory tracts.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) are recommended to enhance the deep brown tones; clear polyurethane or lacquer works well for durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp contrast between the wide, light sapwood and the dark, central chocolate-colored heartwood, combined with the rough grey-brown bark, is characteristic of juvenile Black Walnut.