Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a smooth, fine-to-medium texture.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-brown heartwood with lighter pale yellowish-grey sapwood, showing good natural luster and darkening slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot for high-grade lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Mid-20th century vintage based on chair styling and patina, estimated around 50 to 80 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List, widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, carving, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; machines, turns, carves, and glues well, holding nails and screws reliably with minimal risk of splitting.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, lacquer, shellac, and polyurethane finishes exceptionally well, highlighting the deep rich brown tones.
Notable Features
Possesses a rich natural color without requiring stains, stable dimensional properties once dried, and a moderate weight-to-strength ratio.
