Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but often shows wavy or curly figure near the bark/sapwood transition; the sample shows rough-sawn circular saw marks and natural irregularities near a bark inclusion.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks; the sample shows light tan sapwood common in raw slabs, which typically yellows over time while heartwood lightens.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs, depending on width and figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or air-dried slab, likely under 2 years since harvests based on the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of rough mill marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed and classified as Least Concern by the IUCN; widely available but slow-growing.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally have tear-out if grain is figured.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (like Tung or Danish oil) to highlight the grain, or clear polyurethane for durability; avoid heavy stains that obscure the natural color.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; prized for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability.
