Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Midwestern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable regarding decay resistance; resistant to heartwood rot, though vulnerable to insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy end-grain growth rings with semi-ring-porous growth ring boundaries; occasional crotch or figure near limb junctions.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light to rich dark chocolate brown with distinct paler yellowish-white to cream sapwood outer ring visible along the perimeter under the bark.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable regarding decay resistance; resistant to heartwood rot, though vulnerable to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot for high-grade lumber, lower for raw un-milled logs.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut log section (under 6 months old); tree age estimated around 40 to 60 years based on visible growth rings.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turning projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Midwestern North America
Workability
Generally very easy to work with hand and power tools. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well; steam-bends nicely.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including clear oil finishes (tung, Danish, boiled linseed) to accentuate natural grain depth, polyurethane, or lacquer.
Notable Features
Faint mild aromatic scent when worked; contains juglone which can be mild allergen/irritant; highly sought after for dark heartwood aesthetic.
