Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular, rift-sawn to quarter-sawn appearance showing fine uniform pores
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to dark chocolate brown with purplish undertones; raw, un-oiled surface appears slightly muted/greyish-tan before finishing
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $16.00 per board foot (depending on board width and region)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern dimensioned lumber, freshly milled/surfaced (under 5 years old based on clean tool marks and absence of deep patina)
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices; rated as Least Concern on IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, gunstocks, veneer, turned objects, and specialty woodenware
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, sands, and finishes extremely well; holds screws and nails firmly
Finish Recommendations
Pre-sanding up to 220 grit followed by penetrating oil finishes (like Danish oil, tung oil, or wipe-on polyurethane) to highlight natural figure and color depth
Notable Features
Mild characteristic chocolate-like scent when worked; fine pore structure; rich darkening and contrast when an oil finish is applied
