Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable with high natural resistance to rot, decay, and fungal attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with fine, open-porous texture typical of a rift- or flat-sawn hardwood.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with warm golden-brown undertones; sapwood is pale yellowish-white seen near edges.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with high natural resistance to rot, decay, and fungal attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $16.00 per board foot depending on grade, width, and local market conditions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber (estimated 1 to 10 years old), displaying standard surface machining marks and minimal oxidative aging.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES Appendices or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely harvested and sustainably managed across North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, turned objects, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though tearout can occur near knots or grain shifts.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts clear oil finishes (tung oil, Danish oil) exceptionally well to highlight depth; polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac also yield superior results.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint sweet nutty odor when worked. Highly prized for its deep brown hues and excellent dimensional stability.
