Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to heartwood decay; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Visible cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces of the bowl. Medium texture with moderate sized pores.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it gains a warm golden-brown patina.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to heartwood decay; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The finished product appears to be modern (1–10 years old), but the richness of the dark oxidation suggests the timber was well-seasoned or steamed.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, high-end woodturned bowls, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally have tearout in areas of figured grain.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for kitchenware; tung oil or polyurethane for furniture to enhance deep chocolate tones.
Notable Features
Faint, mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
