Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a medium texture; displays faint cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face and fine, open pores typical of the Juglans genus.
Color Description
Rich dark brown to chocolate heartwood with distinct purplish-brown undertones. The sapwood (seen in adjacent boards) is typically creamy white. It tends to lighten slightly to a more golden brown with UV exposure over many years.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, gunstocks, veneer, flooring, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot (depending on width, thickness, and local availability).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (roughly 5-15 years post-harvest) based on sharp mechanical mill marks and lack of significant graying or deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and rated as Least Concern by the IUCN; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout if the grain is wavy or figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant for some; known for exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear finishes like tung oil or Danish oil to highlight the natural color. Polyurethane or lacquer provides excellent protection for surface wear.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore structure visible on the end grain, and typical semi-ring-porous density are diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.