Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable (Good resistance to decay, moderate resistance to insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular flat-sawn grain pattern with some subtle wavy figure and open pores visible on the surface.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to chocolate-brown heartwood with occasional darker streaks and a lighter, yellowish-grey sapwood visible at the edge; moderate natural luster that darkens slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (Good resistance to decay, moderate resistance to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 15 years old (kiln-dried lumber recently surfaced with minor handling marks)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List, widely available from sustainably managed forests in North America)
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though prone to occasional tearout on figured sections during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane exceptionally well; often finished with a penetrating oil to enhance natural chatoyancy and depth.
Notable Features
Possesses a moderate natural shock resistance, good dimensional stability, and a rich dark color profile prized by woodworkers.
