Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces; exhibits some subtle swirl and figure near joints
Color Description
Heartwood is medium to dark coffee brown with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It develops a lustrous patina and lightens slightly with age and 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, interior trim, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 40-60 years based on the furniture style, finish oxidation, and rounding of wear edges
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN; FSC certified options widely available
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well; may occasionally exhibit grain tearout on figured sections
Notable Features
Faint, mild nutty scent when worked; contains juglone which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals; prized for its dimensional stability
Finish Recommendations
Deepens beautifully with Danish oil or wiping varnish; traditionally finished with lacquer or shellac for high-end furniture
Identification Confidence
High; the dark chocolate brown color, characteristic pore structure visible in the grain, and the specific patina of the aged finish are classic indicators of Walnut furniture