Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture, typically flat-sawn or plain-sawn appearance on the log end rings.
Color & Appearance
Distinct color variation with a rich dark brown to purplish-brown heartwood and a sharply contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot for domestic lumber, higher for figured logs.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to recently felled logs, estimated growth age of the individual tree around 30 to 50 years based on ring count visibility.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status, widely available in North America, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools, glues, stains, and finishes very well, though can occasionally tear out on figured grain.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oils, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane exceptionally well to enhance the rich natural dark brown tones.
Notable Features
Features a distinct dark heartwood and pale sapwood contrast, easy to work, highly stable after drying.
