Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with some slight wavy or irregular figure near knots; flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns and fine, open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a pale to medium chocolate brown with a greyish-tan cast in this unfinished state. Sapwood is a distinct creamy white to pale yellow. It typically darkens with age but can lighten with significant 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, veneer, gunstocks, interior flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot (depending on region and width)
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or surfaced lumber (0-2 years since processing) based on the sharp edges, lack of significant oxidation, and lack of finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, though knots can cause minor tearout. Responds beautifully to steam bending.
Notable Features
Features a faint, pleasant, mild odor when being worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (Linseed or Tung oil) are highly recommended to enhance the natural dark tones. Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for surface protection without changing the color too drastically.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between the pale sapwood and the signature chocolate-grey heartwood, combined with the pore structure and knot characteristics, is diagnostic for Juglans nigra.