Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Common figures include curl, crotch, and burl. The sample shown displays a subtle, straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine texture.
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 a medium chocolate hue with some grayish oxidation. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though 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 Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $16.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly surfaced to slightly oxidized (1-5 years post-milling). The patina suggests it has been stored but is not an antique reclaimed piece.
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. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though figured pieces may experience some tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked. Known for its high dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which deepen its color. Polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac are also common. Filling the pores may be required for a high-gloss glass-like finish.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate-brown color, diffuse-porous grain structure, and subtle luster are hall-marks of North American Black Walnut.