Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable (heartwood is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with subtle contours exposed by the carved bowl of the spoon; diffuse-porous to semi-ring-porous growth ring orientation visible in concentric carving rings.
Color & Appearance
Dark chocolate brown heartwood with grayish-black tones, featuring subtle warm amber highlights near the edges where wood is thinner or worn.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (heartwood is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot for high-grade lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Finished artifact aged approximately 3 to 10 years, showing slight surface patination and discoloration from food oils, washing, or heat exposure.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern on IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America; non-CITES listed.
Common Uses
Carved kitchen utensils, spoon carving, fine furniture, cabinetry, turned objects, gunstocks, decorative veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Excellent workability for hand carving, turning, and shaping; carves cleanly with sharp gouges and knives, sands smooth, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe oil finishes such as pure mineral oil, raw walnut oil, beeswax polish, or tung oil blends; regular re-oiling recommended for kitchen use.
Notable Features
Faint characteristic rich, sweet nut-like scent when freshly worked or heated; mild natural oils; contains juglone; fine uniform texture excellent for food utensils.
