Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with some cathedral patterning visible in the flat-sawn surface. Visible open pores characteristic of Juglans species.
Color Description
Dark chocolate brown heartwood with some lighter tan streaks. Sapwood is naturally pale yellow-gray but appears stained or aged here. Wood tends to lighten and take on a golden hue with long-term UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay though susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot for high-grade dimensional lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 30-50 years based on deep oxidation, surface patina, and the type of finish degradation visible.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and managed in North American forests.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it has a distinct odor when cut.
Notable Features
Faint, mild spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone which can be a mild irritant. Known for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Needs sanding to 220 grit for best results.
Identification Confidence
High. The coloring, semi-porous grain structure, and typical cathedral figure visible in the grain are hallmark characteristics of North American Black Walnut.