Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable (good decay resistance, moderate resistance to insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a moderate cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-brown heartwood with striking dark streaks, contrasting against a lighter pale yellowish-grey sapwood; matures to a softer warm patina over time
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (good decay resistance, moderate resistance to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated moderately seasoned lumber, roughly 5 to 15 years old based on surface oxidation and patina
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable and widely available domestically
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though occasional grain reversal can cause minor tearout during planing
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes (such as Danish oil or tung oil), shellac, and lacquer exceptionally well, enhancing the deep chatoyance and rich grain details
Notable Features
Possesses a pleasant mild scent when freshly cut, good dimensional stability, moderate shock resistance, and rich natural color tones without requiring heavy staining
