Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. This sample shows a relatively straight, tight grain typical of a flatsawn or rift-sawn section, with a medium texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. The color tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate; however, the smooth finish and lack of significant oxidation suggests a modern milling or recent refinishing within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes well and holds glue, nails, and screws effectively. It has excellent dimensional stability and sands easily.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; known for its excellent shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to clear finishes. Tung oil or boiled linseed oil highlights the grain, while polyurethane provides durable protection. Steaming is often used to darken sapwood to match heartwood.
Identification Confidence
Medium-Low; the low lighting and high ISO noise in the photograph obscure fine pore structure and grain detail, but the coloration and grain flow are highly consistent with North American Black Walnut.