Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a medium-coarse texture; the sample exhibits a rift-sawn to flat-sawn appearance with subtle cathedral peaks visible and small knots/pith markings.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to a dark chocolate brown; the sample shows a characteristic cool brown tone with grey undertones. It typically lightens and yellows slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Ranges from $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and grade.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively modern stock (under 10 years), showing fresh surfacing with some minor surface oxidation/dust and typical handling marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; planes and sands well, holds glue and nails effectively, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed), polyurethane for durability, or shellac. A clear coat is recommended to preserve the natural brown depth.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, bittersweet spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some; renowned for its excellent Dimensional stability.
