Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; featured here with a semi-open, slightly wavy flat-sawn cathedral pattern and some figured swirl near the bottom.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Often develops a warm patina and lightens slightly with age.
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 small specialty items like the plaque shown.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern; the crisp laser engraving and contemporary finish suggest the wood was processed and finished within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within its native range.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues and finishes well, although it has a faint, characteristic odor while being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; highly prized for its exceptional finishing qualities and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coats such as Danish oil, polyurethane, or lacquer are best to highlight the natural deep brown tones and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore structure, and grain cathedral patterns are archetypal for Black Walnut.