Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern United States
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture and moderate natural luster. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with some slight wavy figure and a few small knots.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten/golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and surfaced within the last 1-5 years based on the lack of deep oxidation and standard milling marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and other small wooden objects and novelties.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues, stains, and finishes well. It has good dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance color, but also takes polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Known for its excellent shock resistance and stability.
