Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack and rot.
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain pattern with straight to slightly wavy grain, displaying fine texture and prominent sapwood transition along the right live/rough edge.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light chocolate brown to purplish-brown tones, contrasting with pale yellowish-gray to off-white sapwood along the right edge. Matures to a lighter golden brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack and rot.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $16.00 per board foot for rough-sawn lumber depending on grade and sapwood content.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn lumber likely milled within the last 1-5 years, showing minimal surface oxidation and typical mill marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available, sustainably harvested in North America, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, gunstocks, turned objects, veneer, and custom woodworking projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and power tools. Planes smoothly, glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though cross-grain around knots can cause mild tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to penetrating oils (danish oil, tung oil, boiled linseed oil) to enhance depth, or clear film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild earthy odor when worked. Contains juglone. Famous for deep color contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
