American Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1010 lbf, Medium
- Durability
- Durable, with very good heartwood decay resistance and moderate resistance to insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain, but frequently exhibits irregular, wavy, or curly figure as seen in some boards, with a medium texture.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-dark chocolate heartwood with distinct pale yellowish-grey to white sapwood showing high color contrast. Luster is moderate, and the wood tends to lighten slightly to a warmer golden-brown with long-term UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1010 lbf, Medium
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with very good heartwood decay resistance and moderate resistance to insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on grade, width, and character variations.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 15 years based on modern pre-finished flooring wear patterns and contemporary installation standards.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern. Widely available domestically from managed forests with good sustainability.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, interior flooring, architectural millwork, gunstocks, and decorative veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability. It cuts, glues, sands, and finishes very well, though care must be taken with hand-planing figured boards to prevent tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, lacquer, polyurethane, and conversion varnish exceptionally well, enhancing the deep chatoyance of the grain.
Notable Features
Known for its rich, dark color variation between sapwood and heartwood, exceptional dimensional stability, and shock resistance.
Notes
Solarium 4
