Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but often wavy/irregular; shows cathedral patterning in flat-sawn sections with fine to medium texture
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Ages to a warmer, golden brown with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood)
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and specialty wooden objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently used; light oxidation suggests less than 1-2 years since initial processing
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 well. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked; known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance; heartwood contains natural tannins.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or clear lacquers to highlight deep colors; polyurethane for high-wear areas; no staining required.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate-brown heartwood, medium-porous grain structure, and contrast between heartwood and sapwood are characteristic of Juglans nigra.