Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mixed grain with a prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face; features a small pin knot and subtle wavy figure. The grain is generally straight but becomes irregular around knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a creamy to light chocolate brown with darker streaks; sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. The wood displays a dull luster and typically develops a warm golden-brown patina over many years.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, musical instruments, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $16.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced; light oxidation suggests it has not been exposed to UV for a long period (less than 1 year since last surfacing).
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes finishes excellently. Can occasionally experience tear-out in figured areas.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Fine texture and uniform grain.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; polyurethane or lacquer can be used for extra durability on high-wear surfaces. No special preparation required.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate-brown heartwood transition to pale sapwood, ring-porous grain structure, and the characteristic cathedral pattern are diagnostic for Juglans nigra.