Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; good resistance to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly irregular or wavy grain with a medium texture, displaying a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern and natural transitions.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-black heartwood with distinct lighter yellowish-grey to pale sapwood, exhibiting a moderate natural luster that tends to lighten slightly to a warm golden-brown patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; good resistance to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $15.00+ per board foot depending on width, length, and figure grade.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled to a few months old, based on the bright contrast between sapwood and heartwood and minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainably harvested from domestic forests.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; easy to hand and machine tool, glues, stains, and finishes well, though occasional grain reversal can cause minor tearout during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, Danish oil, varnish, lacquer, and shellac extremely well, enhancing the natural chatoyance and rich color of the wood without requiring special sealers.
Notable Features
Possesses a subtle, pleasant natural scent when freshly cut, medium weight, excellent dimensional stability, and high shock resistance.
