Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern and a minor knot-associated distortion in the center
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to chocolate heartwood with some lighter purplish undertones and a contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood visible on the right edge; darkens slightly with age and exposure to light
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively new material, likely harvested, processed, and finished within the past 1-5 years
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available domestically with sustainable harvest practices
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, interior paneling, and specialty woodturning
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though can occasionally tear out on irregular grain
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, Danish oil, varnish, lacquer, and shellac wonderfully, enhancing the natural chatoyance and deep brown tones
Notable Features
Prized for its rich dark color, stability, shock resistance, and moderate weight; easy to work while holding fine details exceptionally well
