Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a generally fine, uniform texture and subtle cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn sections
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-brown heartwood with lighter pale yellowish-grey sapwood; exhibits good natural luster and tends to lighten slightly to a warmer golden-brown patina over time with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in the sapwood
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern to recently milled lumber, approximately 1 to 5 years old based on clean surface condition and minimal oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, interior paneling, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; planes, cuts, and sands easily with both hand and machine tools, glues and finishes very well, though prone to occasional tearout on figured sections
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, Danish oil, varnish, lacquer, and shellac exceptionally well, highlighting the rich natural depth and grain of the wood
Notable Features
Possesses a moderate, pleasant natural scent when worked; medium-heavy weight with great dimensional stability and shock resistance
