Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral-like grain with some visible diffuse-porous vessel elements on the surface.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows typical rich brown heartwood with a slight grayish patina from oxidation.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
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
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing, likely 1-5 years post-mill. Surface oxidation suggests it has been stored in a shop environment for several months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, holds nails/screws effectively, and takes a beautiful polish. It has a mild, nutty odor when worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive walnut scent when cut; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (Linseed or Tung) to enhance depth, or polyurethane for protection. Water-based finishes may make the wood look 'cold' or gray.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown heartwood, distinctive pore structure visible on the face grain, and typical 'walnut' surface texture align perfectly with Juglans nigra.