Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium texture; displays slight wandering and subtle cathedral peaks typical of flat-sawn lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium to dark brown with a warm, reddish-orange undertone likely enhanced by an aged oil or lacquer finish. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray but not visible here. With age, the wood tends to lighten and take on a more golden-brown hue.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (e.g., powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, and gunstocks.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on the oxidation of the finish, the slight ambering of the color, and the fine surface wear consistent with mid-century or late-20th-century cabinetry.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, holds nails and screws well, and glues easily. It can have a faint, characteristic scent when worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when freshly cut. It possesses excellent dimensional stability and a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to penetrate and highlight depth; polyurethane or lacquer for surface protection. Highly receptive to most finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous structure, characteristic deep brown grain lines, and the specific warm patina is classic for aged Black Walnut.