Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to heartwood decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture, featuring characteristic branch knots and natural live-edge contour.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-brown heartwood with distinct lighter grayish-brown to yellowish sapwood, showing moderate natural luster that lightens slightly with UV exposure over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to heartwood decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled kiln-dried or air-dried lumber, estimated 1 to 5 years since harvesting.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, and decorative veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though prone to occasional tear-out on figured or knotted sections.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil, tung oil, lacquer, or polyurethane all yield excellent results, highlighting the natural depth and richness of the grain.
Notable Features
Prized for its rich, dark chocolate-brown color, distinct contrast between sapwood and heartwood, and stability during seasoning.
