Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The sample shows a fine, open grain with visible vessels and a small knot, consistent with a flat-sawn layout.
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. This sample displays the classic cool, grayish-brown chocolate tones that often lighten slightly and become more amber over time with UV exposure.
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 turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or surfaced. The crisp edges and lack of significant oxidation or deep patina suggest the wood was processed within the last 1–3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, stains, and finishes excellently. It can occasionally have surfaced tear-out if the grain is figured or interlocked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil, linseed oil) or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the deep colors. It takes clear coats exceptionally well to showcase the natural chocolate hues.
Identification Confidence
High; the color palette, characteristic pore structure visible in the face grain, and typical knot appearance are highly diagnostic for North American Black Walnut.