Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with some wavy figure; flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns and some visible sapwood transition.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Grayish-purple cast is present in the sample. Color tends to lighten and become more golden 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, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or surfaced (less than 1 year); shows minimal oxidation and sharp, modern machine-planed surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout in figured areas.
Notable Features
Faint, mild nutty scent when being worked. Known for high dimensional stability and shock resistance. Juglone content in the tree can be an allergen for some.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes are highly recommended to bring out its natural chatoyance; clear polyurethane or shellac also work well to preserve the color.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, medium-pore texture, and specific grain curl are hallmarks of Juglans nigra.