Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a distinct cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces as seen in the sample, with a medium-coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to develop a warm patina and lighten slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
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 North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/modern lumber based on the lack of deep oxidation, recent mill marks, and the light-colored raw surface appearing as kiln-dried stock.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available through FSC certified sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. It can occasionally have surfaced tearout if the grain is irregular, but it finishes beautifully.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or clear polyurethane best highlight the natural dark tones. Shellac or lacquer are also excellent choices for a traditional look.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue combined with the open-pore structure and specific cathedral grain pattern are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.