Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Midwestern North America.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Very Durable with high natural resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood remains susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight grain with gentle waves around natural character elements, live-edge contours, and knots.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden-brown to warm chocolate-brown heartwood with a narrow pale yellowish-cream sapwood along the live edges.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with high natural resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood remains susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs depending on width and grain figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently harvested/milled urban or forest timber (tree aged approximately 40 to 80 years old given trunk width).
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Red List status of Least Concern; sustainable management and widely available across North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, live-edge dining tables, custom countertops, cabinetry, architectural millwork, turnings, and gunstocks.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Midwestern North America.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and power tools; glues, sands, machines, and turns smoothly with minimal tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Hardwax oils (such as Rubio Monocoat or Osmo) or wiping varnish/polyurethane to highlight warm tones and maintain high tactile feel.
Notable Features
Distinct faint mild aroma when worked; classic medium texture; attractive sapwood-to-heartwood contrast along live edges.
