Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf, Medium
- Durability
- Moderately durable; good resistance to heartwood decay, fair resistance to insects.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture, flat-sawn appearance showing subtle growth ring transitions.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to grayish-brown heartwood with occasional darker streaks; pale yellowish-grey sapwood (not prominently visible here); deepens and warms slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf, Medium
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable; good resistance to heartwood decay, fair resistance to insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8 to 15 dollars per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 20 years based on modern milling quality, clean finish, and stable oxidation state.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available through domestic hardwood suppliers.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, interior paneling, gun stocks, and decorative veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well; minimal tendency to warp or shrink once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and varnish exceptionally well, enhancing the natural chatoyance and depth of the grain.
Notable Features
Prized for its rich, natural dark chocolate color, moderate weight, and excellent dimensional stability.
