Black Walnut — Juglans nigra
High, confirmed by the classic dark brown heartwood sharply contrasting with the lighter sapwood and typical walnut grain structure confidence

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability
Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to powderpost beetles

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture, flat-sawn appearance showing distinct growth rings

Color & Appearance

Rich dark brown heartwood with contrasting creamy white to yellowish sapwood, displaying natural luster and warm chatoyance under finish

Hardness (Janka)

1,010 lbf (Medium)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to powderpost beetles

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern finished sample, estimated less than 5 years old
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in North America

Common Uses

Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, interior paneling, and turning

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Exceptional workability; cuts, glues, finishes, and turns very well, though prone to occasional tearout on figured sections

Finish Recommendations

Takes oil, lacquer, and polyurethane finishes exceptionally well, highlighting the deep natural brown tones

Notable Features

Distinctive rich dark color, excellent dimensional stability, and a moderate shock absorption capacity

Learn more about Black Walnut in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 26, 2026