Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but irregular and wavy near knots and transitions; features a coarse, open-pored texture with a slight crotch-like figure where the sapwood meets heartwood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from deep chocolate brown to a greyish-brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is distinct, pale creamy yellow. The wood develops a lustrous patina and usually lightens slightly toward a golden brown over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood 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 United States and parts of Central North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced; the distinct contrast between the sapwood and darkened heartwood suggests it hasn't undergone significant UV-induced fading.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources exist.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, and takes a high polish. Can have occasional tearout in irregular grain sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, a natural chemical that can be an irritant to some. High shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (Linseed or Tung) to enhance chatoyance, or clear polyurethane/lacquer to preserve the deep natural colors; avoid heavy stains that mask the natural variation.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic 'chocolate' heartwood combined with the creamy sapwood and semi-ring-porous structure is classic for Juglans nigra.