Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable. Very good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium texture; flat-sawn appearance showing slight cathedral arching and a small knot/defect filled with light-colored filler.
Color & Appearance
Rich dark brown to purplish-brown heartwood on the right side, transitioning sharply to a lighter yellowish-grey sapwood on the left. High contrast, good natural luster, and tends to lighten or become more golden-brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable. Very good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern finished sample, estimated less than 5 years old based on clean edges and fresh finish.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern. Widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gunstocks, interior paneling, and turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability. Cuts, glues, finishes, and turns very well. Hand tools easily navigate the grain, though occasional care is needed with irregular grain patterns to avoid tear-out.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil, lacquer, polyurethane, and shellac exceptionally well. Danish oil or water-based poly are popular to highlight the rich dark tones without yellowing excessively.
Notable Features
Distinct color contrast between sapwood and heartwood, moderate weight, and stable dimensional properties once dried.
