Black Walnut (2026)
Juglans nigra • Eastern United States
Hardwood
$$$
Black Walnut is prized for its rich dark chocolate brown color and excellent workability.
Key Takeaways
- Black Walnut has a Janka hardness of 1,010 lbf and density of 38 lbs/ft³.
- Common uses include Fine furniture, Cabinetry, Gunstocks.
- Color: Dark chocolate brown with lighter sapwood.
- Low for indoor use.
Janka Hardness
1,010 lbf
Density
38 lbs/ft³
Moisture
12-14%
Fire Rating
Class B
Durability
Class C - 10-15 years outdoor
Price Range
$$$
Color Characteristics
Dark chocolate brown with lighter sapwood
Key Characteristics
- •Rich dark color
- •Excellent workability
- •Straight grain
- •Good stability
- •Easy to glue
- •Distinctive
- •Fine to coarse texture
- •Pleasant aroma
Common Applications
- •Fine furniture
- •Cabinetry
- •Gunstocks
- •Interior paneling
- •Veneer
- •Decorative pieces
- •Flooring
- •Musical instruments
Maintenance Requirements
Low for indoor use.
Advantages
- Beautiful dark color
- Excellent for woodworking
- Premium appearance
- Good stability
- Takes finishes well
- Highly valued
- Classic American
- Easy to work
Considerations
- Premium price
- Limited outdoor durability
- Expensive
- Lighter sapwood
- Contains juglone
- Indoor best
- Softer than oak
- Color variation
Frequently Asked Questions
Fine furniture, Cabinetry, Gunstocks, Interior paneling, Veneer, Decorative pieces, Flooring, Musical instruments.
Black Walnut has a Janka hardness rating of 1,010 lbf, making it a softer wood suitable for Fine furniture, Cabinetry, Gunstocks.
Black Walnut wood is Dark chocolate brown with lighter sapwood. Rich dark color
Low for indoor use.
Related Species
Hardwood
Red Alder
Red Alder is the most common hardwood in the Pacific Northwest with excellent workability.
Hardwood
White Ash
White Ash is prized for its excellent strength, shock resistance, and attractive grain.
Hardwood
American Cherry
American Cherry is one of the most popular domestic hardwoods for fine furniture.
Hardwood
Hickory
Hickory is the hardest domestic hardwood with exceptional strength and shock resistance.