Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with semi-ring-porous structure and occasional cathedral patterns in flat-sawn lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; sapwood is pale semi-white to yellowish-gray. It tends to lighten and become more golden over time with 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, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Young sapling/seedling stage (estimated 1-3 years old based on stem diameter and leaf development).
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 very well, though it can occasionally produce tearout with figured grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when worked; contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some individuals and is toxic to certain other plant species.
Finish Recommendations
Deepens beautifully with tung oil or boiled linseed oil; clear film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are recommended to protect its natural color.
Identification Confidence
High; identified based on the pinnately compound leaf structure (11-23 leaflets), serrated leaf margins, and the characteristic reddish-brown hue of the young petioles.