Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be irregular or wavy; notable for its coarse texture and occasional cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light grey-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-grey to nearly white. Over time, it develops a honey-colored patina.
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 Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested or recently processed log (likely 40-60 years old based on bark thickness and texture).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Sensitive to tear-out on figured pieces.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance the depth of color; also takes clear polyurethane and lacquer well.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the deep-furrowed, diamond-patterned grey-brown bark with light-colored inner layers is highly characteristic of Juglans nigra.