Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable heartwood; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect damage and rot.
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Grain Pattern
Slightly irregular to wavy flat-sawn face grain with soft cathedral lines near the center section, framed by natural live edges.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood shows light grayish-tan to pale chocolate brown tones with subtle darker growth rings; sapwood along outer edges is light pale tan with visible insect activity damage.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable heartwood; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect damage and rot.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot for live-edge air-dried slabs depending on figure and extent of usable heartwood.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently rough-sawn slab displaying natural weathering and air-drying patination, estimated processed within 1-5 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available from sustainably managed domestic forests; not listed under CITES.
Common Uses
Live-edge slab tables, furniture making, custom cabinetry, woodturning, carved art, and accent woodwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools; machines smoothly, glues and sands easily, though tearout can occur near irregular grain transitions.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finish (tung oil, Danish oil, or hardwax oil) to enhance deep grain figure and contrast, followed by clear polyurethane or lacquer topcoat.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark heartwood contrasting with lighter sapwood; faint sweet wood aromatic scent when cut; fine texture.
