Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with some cathedral peaks and slight wavy characteristics; medium texture with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a deep chocolate brown with dark brown streaks. It shows a slight purple or reddish cast. Sapwood is pale yellowish-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly toward a honey-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Mainly Central and Eastern United States)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently manufactured high-quality panel; the wood itself likely harvested from a tree 50-80 years old based on grain density.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably, though slow-growing.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, and takes finishes exceptionally. Can occasionally have irregular grain that causes tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio. Dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear coats to highlight natural color; oils (Tung or Linseed) and polyurethane are common. Does not require staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate tones, characteristic grain arcs (cathedrals), and semi-porous texture are classic indicators of North American Black Walnut.