American Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a generally fine texture; exhibits a smooth flat-sawn and quarter-sawn appearance common in mid-century furniture veneers.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to lighter pale brown in the heartwood with contrasting creamy sapwood; the surface has a warm medium luster and develops a rich patina and lighter amber tone over decades of light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot for lumber, higher for premium veneers.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 50-70 years old, consistent with mid-century modern furniture production eras (1950s-1970s).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, sustainably harvested in North America, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, veneer, gunstocks, and specialty woodturning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; planes, glues, finishes, and carves easily, though occasional grain reversal can cause slight tearout on planed surfaces.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, lacquer, varnish, and shellac exceptionally well; often finished with a clear semi-gloss lacquer or penetrating oil to highlight natural grain depth.
Notable Features
Renowned for its rich chocolate brown color, excellent dimensional stability, shock resistance, and moderate weight.
