Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a medium texture and moderate natural luster. The sample displays a typical vertical straight grain with subtle poriness visible in the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Color can sometimes have a grey, purple, or reddish cast. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Typically darkens or becomes more amber with age.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and other small wooden luxury items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $15.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade, though prices vary significantly by region and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (within last 10-20 years) based on the uniformity of the finish and lack of deep oxidation or mechanical wear patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably within North America.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and holds stain and finish exceptionally. It has good dimensional stability.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some. Favored for its strength-to-weight ratio and stability.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Danish oil or tung oil are recommended to highlight the natural depth; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection while maintaining the dark chocolate tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown color paired with the specific porous structure and grain spacing is classic for Juglans nigra.