Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Midwestern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and fungal attack, though vulnerable to insect damage.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to slightly irregular/wavy grain with a fine, uniform semi-ring-porous texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to deep dark chocolate brown with purplish undertones and subtle streaks. Dries to a softer greyish-brown luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay and fungal attack, though vulnerable to insect damage.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot (depending on grade, thickness, and figure)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern dimensioned lumber, freshly milled/sanded board sample (less than 5 years old).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES Appendices or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, turnings, and interior flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Midwestern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and turns smoothly, glues and finishes exceptionally well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts clear oil finishes (danish oil, tung oil), wiping varnish, or polyurethane extremely well. Oils highlight the natural depth and purple-brown tone.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild earthy aroma when worked; contains juglone; prized for rich coloration, stability, and excellent machining characteristics.
