Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. This sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern transitioning into a darker crotch or knot figure on the left, with a medium-coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample displays significant color contrast between the darker knot area and the lighter surrounding wood, appearing somewhat muted or faded.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or stored indoors (under 5 years); the lack of significant graying or deep oxidation suggests it is relatively fresh stock, despite some surface dust.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, and takes finishes easily. Its only drawback is that the dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Notable Features
Faint, mild, pleasant odor when being worked. Known for its dimensional stability and the presence of juglone (a chemical that can be toxic to certain plants).
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep colors. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for durability. Wiping with mineral spirits first helps reveal the final grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, distinct grain architecture (typical of Juglans), and the characteristic knot transition is classic for American Black Walnut.