Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in sapwood.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a prominent cathedral pattern from flat-sawn processing.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to grayish-brown heartwood with lighter pale yellowish-grey sapwood, exhibiting moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in sapwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated less than 5 years old based on clean surface and lack of heavy oxidation patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN, widely available from sustainably managed domestic forests.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; cuts, glues, finishes, and turns very well, though occasional grain tearout can occur on figured or angled sections.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including oils, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane exceptionally well, enhancing the deep grain patterns.
Notable Features
Possesses a rich, distinct natural chocolate brown color, moderate shock resistance, and stable dimensional properties when dry.
