Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight grain with visible semi-ring-porous structure and fine, uniform texture; small streaks of curly figure are present near the edges.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with some greyish undertones. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray. It tends to lighten with age and UV exposure, losing some purplish hues.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (Powder Post Beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, musical instruments, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot (pricing varies widely based on width, grade, and local availability).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to slightly seasoned; lack of deep patina indicates the wood has not been exposed to light for a significant period (less than 5 years).
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. Planes and glues well. Responds exceptionally well to steam bending. Produces a distinct, pleasant aroma when worked.
Notable Features
Features a faint, characteristic nut-like scent while being worked. Known for its dimensionality stability and strength-to-weight ratio. Can cause mild allergic reactions in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oils (boiled linseed oil, tung oil) and clear polyurethanes. A grain filler can be used if a glass-smooth finish is desired due to its semi-porous nature.
Identification Confidence
High; the color, grain structure, and visible pore distribution on the face grain are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.