Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable (Very good resistance to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the center
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to lighter grayish-brown heartwood with moderate color variation and a natural satin-like luster; lightens slightly or develops a warmer amber patina with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable (Very good resistance to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated 1 to 5 years since harvesting
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN, widely available through domestic suppliers
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; cuts, glues, finishes, and turns very well, though prone to occasional tearout on figured sections during planing
Finish Recommendations
Accepts oils, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane exceptionally well, bringing out deep chatoyance in the grain
Notable Features
Possesses a moderate natural shock resistance, a mild distinct pleasant odor when freshly worked, and stable dimensional properties
