Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
The grain is typically straight but can be irregular or wavy. This sample shows some cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face and evidence of crotch or burl figure near the live-edge/knotty sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a distinct pale yellow-gray. The wood tends to lighten over time with UV exposure, unlike many other woods.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay but sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot for wide live-edge slabs; varies by figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to slightly seasoned (roughly 1-3 years old) based on the presence of bark remnants and minimal oxidation/patina development.
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 smoothly, glues well, and takes finishes excellently. It has a moderate blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Features a faint, mild, and pleasant spicy scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Allergic reactions are rare but possible from dust.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the deep chocolate tones. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for durable surfaces. Clear coats help prevent the wood from fading to a yellowish-brown.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate brown heartwood transition to creamy sapwood, coupled with the ring-porous end grain visible in the stack and the characteristic bark texture, is highly diagnostic of Black Walnut.