Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America.
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the face grain.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to grayish-brown heartwood with contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, and ages to a lighter golden-brown patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, approximately 1 to 5 years old based on clean surfaces and minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN, widely available through domestic commercial forestry.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and varnish exceptionally well, enhancing the deep chatoyance of the grain without requiring special preparation.
Notable Features
Prized for its rich chocolate-brown color, excellent dimensional stability, and shock resistance.
