Black Walnut (or domestic Cherry / White Oak alternate)
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Durable; good resistance to decay and fungi, moderately resistant to insect attacks
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to gently irregular grain around knots and crotch/branch areas; flat-sawn live-edge slabs showing soft cathedral lines and narrow sapwood bands
Color & Appearance
Warm medium golden-brown to tan heartwood with lighter pale yellow-cream sapwood along the outer live edge; moderate luster, likely to warm and mellow upon exposure to sunlight and finish application
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; good resistance to decay and fungi, moderately resistant to insect attacks
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for live-edge rough slabs
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently rough-milled timber (under 1-2 years since harvest); tree growth age estimated at 40-70 years based on slab width and growth ring density
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; abundant and sustainably harvested across Eastern North America
Common Uses
Live-edge dining tables, river tables, countertops, custom furniture, cabinetry, decorative slabs, turning blanks, and architectural accents
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand tools and power equipment; planes smoothly with minimal tearout except near knots, glues and finishes exceptionally well
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating hardwax oils (e.g., Rubio Monocoat or Odie's Oil) to highlight warm natural tones and retain tactile grain feel; wipe-on polyurethane or conversion varnish for high-wear tabletops
Notable Features
Distinct live edge with visible bark removal and crotch flare section; mild pleasant scent when worked; fine-to-medium uniform texture
