Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to chocolate heartwood with occasional purplish cast, contrasting sharply with paler yellowish-gray sapwood; displays moderate natural luster and lightens slightly to a lighter golden-brown patina over time
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated modern kiln-dried lumber, roughly 1 to 5 years since milling based on clean surfaces and minimal oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available domestically from sustainably managed forests
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, interior paneling, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally tear out on figured grain sections during planing
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, Danish oil, varnish, lacquer, and shellac wonderfully, highlighting the rich depth and natural chatoyance of the dark brown tones
Notable Features
Possesses a moderate natural luster, excellent dimensional stability, and a rich shock resistance relative to its weight
