Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a semi-diffuse porous structure. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with some subtle cathedral figure and visible ray flecks in the sapwood region.
Color Description
The heartwood is a pale creamy brown (not yet fully oxidized), while the distinctive wide sapwood is nearly white to off-grey. It exhibits moderate luster and will darken significantly to a deep chocolate brown with exposure and finishing.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; sapwood is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on local availability and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/planed stock, likely less than 1 year since processing based on the lack of UV oxidation and light color of the heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available from FSC certified sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and holds screws/nails effectively. Possible tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, mild spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone which can be an irritant to some. Known for exceptional dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to penetrating oils (Linseed, Tung) which enhance the grain, but also takes lacquer and polyurethane well for a high-build protective coat.
Identification Confidence
High. The color transition between the heartwood and the exceptionally wide sapwood, combined with the specific pore structure and grain texture, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.