Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture and a flat-sawn appearance showing subtle cathedral patterns in the heartwood.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to chocolate heartwood with occasional purplish or dark streaks, sharply contrasting with a pale yellowish-gray to creamy white sapwood. The wood tends to lighten slightly or mature into a warm golden-brown patina upon prolonged exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $15.00+ per board foot depending on width, thickness, and presence of figured grain.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or freshly surfaced slab, estimated to be air- or kiln-dried within the past 1 to 3 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN, widely available from sustainably managed domestic forests.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, interior paneling, turning, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, holds screws and nails adequately, and responds well to steam bending, though care must be taken to avoid tear-out on irregular grain areas.
Finish Recommendations
Takes almost any finish well, including oils, varnishes, lacquers, and shellac. Danish oil or water-based polyurethane work exceptionally well to highlight the rich natural color and depth of the grain without yellowing excessively.
Notable Features
Features a distinct rich color contrast between sapwood and heartwood, moderate weight, good dimensional stability, and contains natural oils that give it a characteristic pleasant scent when freshly cut.
