American Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, ranging from the central United States to the East Coast and southern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, rot, and fungi, though susceptible to insect attack if untreated outdoors.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to slightly wavy flat-sawn grain pattern with fine pore structure, subtle cathedral arching, and soft figure variations across the face.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with warm reddish-purple undertones, subtle lighter sapwood blending on the edges, moderate natural luster, and characteristic darkening/golden patina shift over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, rot, and fungi, though susceptible to insect attack if untreated outdoors.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on lumber grade, thickness, and clear face quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern processed lumber sample (likely 1-10 years post-harvest), clean machine-planed finish with fresh oxidation profile.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern; widely available, sustainable harvesting practices in place across North America, not CITES listed, FSC certified sources abundant.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, fine cabinetry, gunstocks, interior architectural millwork, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and specialty wooden goods.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from the central United States to the East Coast and southern Canada.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, sands, cuts, and turns exceptionally well, though wild grain areas may occasionally cause minor tearout during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to clear natural finishes such as penetrating oils (tung oil, Danish oil), wipe-on polyurethane, or clear lacquer to showcase natural chatoyance and rich color without staining.
Notable Features
Mild pleasant scent when worked; prized for stability, excellent dimensional balance, rich natural coloring, and absence of significant sapwood defects in prime cuts.
