Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Midwestern United States, naturally distributed throughout North America.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with live edge bark detail present along the slab edge.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood adjacent to a lighter cream-colored sapwood band, with dark grey-brown rough outer bark.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs depending on figure and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to recently harvested timber; the raw slab shows minimal oxidation on the freshly exposed wood.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices; IUCN Least Concern; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, live-edge tables, cabinetry, gunstocks, turning, acoustic guitars, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Midwestern United States, naturally distributed throughout North America.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes extremely well.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes (such as tung oil or Danish oil), clear polyurethane, or wiping varnish to bring out deep grain color.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark brown heartwood and pale sapwood contrast; pleasant aromatic scent when worked; contains juglone.
