Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Eastern North America and widely distributed throughout the central and eastern United States
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible cathedral peaks in flat-sawn sections and subtle wavy figure; fine to medium texture with decorative irregular swirls near the board edges
Color & Appearance
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with some lighter tan streaks and a warm golden undertone. It shows medium luster and is known to lighten toward a more golden brown over decades of light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for premium select grade lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- 30 to 60 years based on the furniture style (likely mid-20th century) and the deep, oxidized patina of the walnut surface
- 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 paneling, gunstocks, small turned objects, and specialty woodworking
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern North America and widely distributed throughout the central and eastern United States
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though care is needed to avoid tearout on figured sections
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (like Danish oil or Tung oil) to highlight grain, or a clear lacquer/polyurethane for protection while maintaining the natural dark color
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; famous for its stability and strength-to-weight ratio
