Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and moderately resistant to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight but sometimes irregular or wavy; notable for its large pores and cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces. This sample shows some feathered and swirled grain near the base.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample displays significant chatoyancy and high luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and moderately resistant to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly turned or recently finished; the wood lacks the lightened/grayed patina of historical walnut but shows deep oxidation typical of heartwood.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, musical instruments, veneer, and wood turning (bowls).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes have tearout in areas of irregular grain.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil, linseed oil, or polyurethane to enhance the natural dark tones. Food-safe mineral oil or beeswax is recommended for turned bowls used for food.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some; famous for its excellent dimensional stability.
