Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular with curly or wavy figure; moderate texture with large pores in the earlywood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a more golden brown.
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, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible growth rings suggest the tree was 40-60 years old; the log appears recently felled based on the lack of deep silvering or fungal rot.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available from FSC-certified sources.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally produce tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Fine dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (like Tung or Linseed) to highlight grain, or a clear lacquer/polyurethane to protect the deep brown color. Sanding to high grits is recommended to showcase luster.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of deep chocolate heartwood, distinct ring-porous structure visible in the end grain cross-section, and characteristic checking patterns are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.