Black Walnut — Juglans nigra
High, based on the characteristic contrast between dark heartwood and pale sapwood combined with texture and grain pattern confidence

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability
Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture

Color & Appearance

Rich dark brown heartwood with contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, ages to a lighter warm brown with UV exposure

Hardness (Janka)

1,010 lbf (Medium)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled lumber, approximately 1-3 years old
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested

Common Uses

Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, and veneer

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools, glues and finishes well, minimal tearout if sharp tools are used

Finish Recommendations

Takes oil finishes, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac exceptionally well to highlight depth and grain

Notable Features

Possesses a rich natural color, stable dimensional properties once dried, and moderate shock resistance

Learn more about Black Walnut in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 29, 2026