Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable. Good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly irregular with a prominent cathedral grain pattern on the flat-sawn face.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks, occasionally with a purple or grey cast. Sapwood is nearly white to yellowish-gray. Luster is medium.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable. Good resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be recently milled, roughly 1 to 5 years since harvesting based on the rough-cut texture and fresh oxidation levels.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely available from domestic sustainable forests.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, gunstocks, turning, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, varnish, lacquer, and polyurethane finishes exceptionally well to accentuate the deep color and grain.
Notable Features
Prized for its rich, dark color and shock resistance combined with lightweight properties relative to its strength.
