Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Very Durable with respect to decay resistance; highly resistant to rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular face grain with prominent pores flecking, and cathedral-like growth ring arches visible on the underlying board face.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with muted grayish-tan overtones, exhibiting fine dark pore streaks. Aged wood oxidizes to a warmer golden-brown brown color over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with respect to decay resistance; highly resistant to rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $16.00 per board foot depending on grade, board width, and regional availability.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber cut, likely processed within the past 1–5 years, exhibiting clean mill surfaces and dry face oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES appendices; IUCN status is Least Concern. Sustainably harvested and widely available from certified forest management programs (FSC).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, turned objects, and specialty wooden items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well without severe tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to penetrating oils (danish oil, tung oil), clear polyurethane, or lacquer to enhance depth and natural warmth.
Notable Features
Faint mild aromatic scent when worked; high stability once dried; dark coarse pores visible in longitudinal cuts.
