American Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable (good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture and a smooth, elegant satin appearance typical of traditional firearm stocks.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to lighter pale brown with occasional darker streaks and warm golden undertones, exhibiting a natural soft luster that darkens and develops a deeper patina with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated several decades old, consistent with vintage or well-maintained military and civilian firearm stocks
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, and sustainably harvested from domestic forests
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turning
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; easy to hand and machine tool, glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well
Finish Recommendations
Traditional hand-rubbed oil finishes such as tung oil or boiled linseed oil, as well as modern lacquers or urethanes
Notable Features
Renowned for its ideal balance of weight, dimensional stability, shock resistance, and rich dark coloration making it the premier choice for gunstocks
