Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable with respect to heartwood decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to slightly irregular with gentle sweeping growth ring arches on this live-edge flat-sawn slab; fine to medium texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light to rich dark chocolate brown with greyish tones under sawdust. The wide, distinct outer band shows pale yellowish-grey to off-white sapwood along the natural bark edge.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with respect to heartwood decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for wide live-edge slabs depending on figure and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently rough-sawn slab (likely less than 1-2 years since harvest), covered in fresh saw dust with a prominent drying check/crack visible near the center.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Widely available in North America and sustainably harvested, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Furniture, live-edge dining tables, slab countertops, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneers, and fine woodworking turning projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though checks require stabilization with epoxy or bowties.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating hardwax oils (Rubio Monocoat, Osmo) or wiping varnish/polyurethane to highlight natural grain and depth; fill cracks with black or clear epoxy prior to finishing.
Notable Features
Distinct color contrast between sapwood and heartwood, mild pleasant odor when worked, prone to heart checks/splitting during air drying as seen in the central crack.
