Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mixed flat-sawn and cathedral grain patterns with a medium texture; contains wavy and slightly irregular sections near the sapwood transition.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. Exhibits moderate luster and typically darkens further or develops a rich patina with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles). Moderately resistant to rot.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, figure, and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern milling; based on the sharp edges and lack of oxidation, the board appears to be 1-5 years post-processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands well, holds glue and screws excellently. Can occasionally exhibit tearout in wavy grain areas.
Notable Features
Features a faint, characteristic mildly spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone (a mild toxin); prized for dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil to highlight depth and chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear surfaces like tables.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between the creamy sapwood and the coffee-toned heartwood, combined with the specific cathedral pore structure, is iconic to Juglans nigra.