Black Walnut (left) and Pecan or Hickory with dark knots (right)
Juglans nigra (left) and Carya illinoinensis / Carya ovata (right) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- Walnut: 1,010 lbf (Medium); Pecan/Hickory: 1,820 to 2,140 lbf (Hard to Very Hard)
- Durability
- Walnut is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance. Pecan/Hickory is rated as perishable to non-durable and vulnerable to insect attack if untreated.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with flat-sawn cathedral patterns on the faces, featuring natural rustic knots and character marks on the right specimen.
Color & Appearance
The left block features a rich dark brown to grayish-brown heartwood typical of walnut. The right block shows golden-brown to reddish-brown heartwood with contrasting creamy sapwood streaks and dark knot inclusions. Both are encapsulated in a high-gloss clear resin/epoxy coat providing high luster.
Hardness (Janka)
Walnut: 1,010 lbf (Medium); Pecan/Hickory: 1,820 to 2,140 lbf (Hard to Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Walnut is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance. Pecan/Hickory is rated as perishable to non-durable and vulnerable to insect attack if untreated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Walnut: $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot; Hickory/Pecan: $5.00 - $9.00 per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern manufactured items with contemporary commemorative medallions, likely crafted recently (within the last few years).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, sustainably harvested from domestic forests, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, specialty turned items, custom display bases, and commemorative challenge coin holders.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Walnut is exceptionally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Hickory/Pecan is harder on cutting edges, can be prone to burning during routing or sawing, but glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Both feature a thick, high-gloss clear polymer or epoxy coating encapsulating the entire wooden base and embedded medallion, providing superior surface protection.
Notable Features
Walnut is prized for its rich natural chocolate color and dimensional stability. Hickory/Pecan is known for extreme shock resistance, toughness, and striking contrast between heartwood and sapwood.