Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to rot and fungal decay, though susceptible to insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Wavy and irregular grain with a pronounced crotch figure, showing characteristic twisting and swirling patterns from branch junctions
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-brown heartwood with contrasting lighter pale yellowish-grey sapwood, exhibiting a natural medium luster and moderate chatoyance
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to rot and fungal decay, though susceptible to insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $15.00+ per board foot for standard lumber, significantly higher for figured crotch veneer
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20-50 years based on the dried and finished appearance, though the raw tree age could be considerably older
- Sustainability Status
- Generally abundant and sustainable, not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and decorative turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools, glues, stains, and finishes well, though figured sections can experience tearout
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane exceptionally well, enhancing the deep chatoyance of the figure
Notable Features
Possesses a mild, characteristic pleasant scent when worked; contains natural tannins and excellent dimensional stability
