Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
The grain is typically straight but can be irregular; this sample shows a faint cathedral pattern with slightly wavy and figured areas near the bottom.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a deep chocolate brown to purplish-black. Sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. This sample shows classic dark heartwood tones with a semi-lustrous surface that may lighten slightly with long-term UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to 1 year; the lack of deep oxidation or graying suggests a relatively recent cut or a surface that has been recently planed/sanded.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available within its native range.
Workability
Excellent; it is one of the easiest hardwoods to work with. It machines, planes, and sands well, though some tearout can occur on irregular grain. Glues and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Contains juglone, which can be an allergen for some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oils (boiled linseed or tung) to pop the grain, as well as polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Shellac is also a traditional choice.
Identification Confidence
High. The coloring, characteristic grain swirls, and growth ring definition are textbook indicators of Juglans nigra.