Hardwood • Domestic Species

Clear Walnut Wood Guide 2026

Juglans nigra

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Species Team
|Sources & methodology
Last updated September 2026 · Reviewed by Lumberama Wood Species Team

Typically described as clear premium walnut hardwood

Market Price Range

$12.00 – $25.00

per board foot

FAS/clear grade walnut. Premium/wide boards at top end.

Prices are approximate market ranges and vary by grade, width, thickness, and region. Request a quote for current pricing.

Wood Appearance

Clear Walnut natural grain

Natural Grain

Clear Walnut finished surface

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 32 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: United States
  • Common uses include Luxury furniture, Cabinetry, Paneling

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
1,010 lbf
Density
32 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
United States
Price Range
N/A
SoftHard

Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.

Durability, Stability & Workability

Decay resistance
Durable
Outdoor suitability
Limited
Dimensional stability
Excellent

Texture: Medium to coarse with uneven grain.

Workability: Very easy to work with hand and machine tools.

Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.

Finishing: Takes stains and polishes exceptionally well.

Color change: The dark brown heartwood may lighten slightly toward a golden brown over time.

Insect resistance: Resistant to heartwood decay but not to termites.

Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.

Common Sizes & Availability

Typical market availability for Clear Walnut. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.

  • 4/4rough 1"
    Surfaced
    13/16" (3/4" common)
    Widths
    Random widths 4 inches and up.
    Lengths
    Random lengths 6 feet and longer.
    Request this size →
  • 5/4rough 1-1/4"
    Surfaced
    1-1/16"
    Widths
    Random widths 4 inches and up.
    Lengths
    Random lengths 6 feet and longer.
    Request this size →
  • 6/4rough 1-1/2"
    Surfaced
    1-5/16"
    Widths
    Random widths 4 inches and up.
    Lengths
    Random lengths 6 feet and longer.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Random widths 4 inches and up.
    Lengths
    Random lengths 6 feet and longer.
    Request this size →
  • 10/4rough 2-1/2"
    Surfaced
    2-1/4"
    Widths
    Random widths 4 inches and up.
    Lengths
    Random lengths 6 feet and longer.
    Request this size →
  • 12/4rough 3"
    Surfaced
    2-3/4"
    Widths
    Random widths 4 inches and up.
    Lengths
    Random lengths 6 feet and longer.
    Request this size →

Availability notes: Highly sought after but generally available.

How lumber sizes are described
Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
Nominal vs. actual
Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Random width / length
Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.

Color & Grain

Color: Chocolate brown; pale sapwood

Grain: Straight; coarse texture

Common Uses

  • Luxury furniture
  • Cabinetry
  • Paneling
  • Gunstocks

Key Characteristics

Also known as: American Walnut clear;Select Walnut

Availability: In Stock

Advantages

  • Janka indentation hardness: 1,010 lbf
  • Heartwood decay rating: Durable
  • Sourced from United States

Considerations

  • Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives to Consider

Species commonly specified for similar applications when Clear Walnut is unavailable or over budget.

Related Species

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