Black Walnut (Eastern Black Walnut)
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Midwestern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; heartwood possesses strong natural resistance to decay and rot, though sapwood remains susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to slightly irregular face grain with gentle natural curves following the live edge; live edge slab cut showing natural growth rings and minimal figure with occasional small knot inclusions
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light golden brown to medium chocolate brown with subtle purple-grey undertones. Sapwood along the upper and lower live edges is pale cream to yellowish-white. The wood naturally lightens slightly and warm amber tones emerge over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood possesses strong natural resistance to decay and rot, though sapwood remains susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $22.00 per board foot (varies depending on thickness, width, and figure quality of live-edge slabs)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled to recently harvested live-edge slab, roughly 1 to 3 years post-milling, coming from a mature tree estimated between 50 to 80 years old based on slab width.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern; widely available and harvested sustainably in North America, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Live-edge slab furniture, dining tables, coffee tables, custom countertops, high-end cabinetry, decorative woodworking, wood turning, and accent furniture.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Midwestern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and power tools; planes smoothly, sands to a high polish, holds screws and nails well, and glues reliably.
Finish Recommendations
Thorough sanding up to 220-320 grit. Seal sapwood/heartwood boundary with hardwax oil (e.g., Rubio Monocoat or Osmo) or wiped oil/polyurethane to accentuate natural grain contrast without yellowing.
Notable Features
Distinctive live edge with intact rough bark on lower margin; strong color contrast between pale sapwood and dark heartwood; mild pleasant faint odor when freshly cut.
