Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
The grain is typically straight but can be irregular; this sample shows a slightly wavy and interlocked grain with visible open pores and a subtle cathedral figure characteristic of flat-sawn boards.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows deep brown tones with characteristic oxidation and a moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 20-40 years based on the depth of the patina, surface oxidation level, and signs of gentle wear on the finished surface.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed in CITES appendices; FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, glues reliably, and holds screws/nails securely, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Notable Features
Faint, mild nutty scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; exceptional dimensional stability and high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) which enhance the depth of the brown tones. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High. The semi-ring-porous structure, dark chocolate coloration without the reddish tint of Mahogany, and the specific pore distribution are diagnostic of Juglans nigra.