Black Walnut (Live Edge Slab)
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with moderate to coarse texture; rough-sawn surface displaying horizontal saw marks (band saw/chainsaw mill pattern) across the face and a pronounced natural live edge.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light to medium rich warm brown with dark chocolate and grayish undertones, showing subtle dark streaks; distinctive pale yellowish-white sapwood along the outer live edges.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $30.00+ per board foot depending on slab width, figure, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently harvested/milled log (likely within 1-3 years), freshly rough-sawn slab showing natural drying checks along the pith line.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices; evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List; widely available from sustainably managed domestic forests.
Common Uses
Live-edge dining tables, island tops, desks, fine furniture, cabinetry, turned objects, and specialty architectural accents.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works very easily with both hand and power tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though saw marks will require flattening and planing.
Finish Recommendations
Flatten slab surface, stabilize checks/cracks with butterfly keys or epoxy resin fill, sand smooth, and apply penetrating oils (e.g., Hardwax Oil, Danish Oil, or Rubio Monocoat) or satin polyurethane to highlight natural grain and chatoyance.
Notable Features
Distinct contrast between sapwood and heartwood live edges; mild faint scent when worked; central longitudinal drying crack along tension line; high aesthetic value for single-slab furniture.
