Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a clear cathedral pattern in flat-sawn sections with a medium texture and moderate natural luster.
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. Color tends to lighten over time 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, veneer, flooring, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced; shows minimal oxidation or patina, likely cut within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though the transition between sapwood and heartwood can sometimes cause uneven staining.
Notable Features
Faint, mild odor when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, Danish oil, or shellac. A clear coat is best to showcase the natural contrast between the dark heartwood and light sapwood.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct chocolate-colored heartwood meeting a stark cream-colored sapwood edge, combined with the specific pore structure visible in the grain, is a classic marker for Black Walnut.