Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular face grain with prominent growth rings visible on the cross-section and flat-sawn cathedral patterns on the face.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to chocolate heartwood with a distinct pale yellowish-grey sapwood band visible along the edges. Luster is medium, and the wood typically lightens slightly or mellows to a warm golden brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8 to 15 dollars per board foot for standard kiln-dried lumber; live-edge slabs vary widely.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently harvested green or air-dried slab, roughly 1 to 3 years old based on fresh surface oxidation and bark condition.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available and sustainably harvested in North America, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, carving, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally tear out on figured sections during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane wonderfully. Danish oil or water-based poly are popular to preserve the natural dark chocolate tone without excessive yellowing.
Notable Features
Contains rich natural dark pigments, has a mild pleasant scent when freshly cut, and possesses great dimensional stability.
