Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or curly figure; features distinct growth rings visible in the end grain and cathedral patterns when flat-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white to tan. Color darkens slightly and develops a lustrous patina over time, though it may lighten if exposed to heavy UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot (retail for kiln-dried 4/4 select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
The log appears to be from a mature tree roughly 60-80 years old; the cut surface shows recent oxidation and drying checks, suggesting it was felled within the last 6-12 months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout in figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive, mild nutty scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; prized for its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes are best to highlight the natural chocolate tones; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for high-wear surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate heartwood, narrow light sapwood, distinctive bark texture, and end-grain ring porous structure are diagnostic of Juglans nigra.