Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Visible as cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections with distinct ring porous structure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale off-white to yellowish-gray. Color darkens slightly and develops a richer patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot resistance; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut (0-1 months) based on wet appearance of end grain, lack of significant graying/oxidation, and presence of fresh sawdust.
Sustainability Status
Abundant and not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it has a moderate blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy nut-like scent when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant or toxic to certain other plants and animals.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Generally does not require stain due to natural beauty.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate heartwood contrast against the pale sapwood, coupled with the deeply furrowed diamond-patterned bark, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.