
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium texture
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown heartwood with contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, ages to a lighter warm brown with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable, with good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, approximately 1-3 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools, glues and finishes well, minimal tearout if sharp tools are used
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac exceptionally well to highlight depth and grain
Notable Features
Possesses a rich natural color, stable dimensional properties once dried, and moderate shock resistance