Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable (good decay resistance, moderate resistance to insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium texture, flat-sawn appearance with typical diffuse-porous characteristics.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to lighter pale brown sapwood with characteristic purplish-brown tones, slight luster, and ages to a lighter golden-brown patina with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (good decay resistance, moderate resistance to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled rough-sawn lumber, likely less than 1 to 5 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools, glues, stains, and finishes well, though care is needed to avoid tearout on irregular grain.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, varnish, and lacquer exceptionally well, enhancing the natural chatoyancy and depth of the grain.
Notable Features
Stable dimensionally, moderate weight, rich natural dark color without needing stains.
