Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, offering good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in sapwood areas.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium-coarse texture, generally flat-sawn and quarter-sawn boards glued together in an edge-glued panel or butcher block configuration.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to lighter pale brown or grayish sapwood, showing notable color variations between strips, with good natural luster that lightens slightly to a warm golden-brown patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, offering good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in sapwood areas.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively modern finished lumber product, estimated between 1 to 10 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainably managed in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, interior paneling, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools, glues well, takes stains and finishes excellently, though occasional tearout can occur on figured or irregular grain.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, varnish, and lacquer very well; a clear penetrating oil or satin polyurethane enhances the deep natural rich brown tones.
Notable Features
Possesses a moderate natural shock resistance, stable dimensional qualities once dried, and a distinctive rich chocolate-brown heartwood color.
