Hardwood • Exotic Species

Nogal (Peruvian Walnut) Wood Guide 2026

Juglans neotropica

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

Typically described as South American walnut relative

Market Price Range

$8.00 – $18.00

per board foot

Exotic hardwood. South American walnut alternative.

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

Wood Appearance

Nogal (Peruvian Walnut) natural grain

Natural Grain

Nogal (Peruvian Walnut) finished surface

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 48 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: Peru;Ecuador
  • Common uses include Furniture, Cabinetry, Millwork

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
960 lbf
Density
48 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
Peru;Ecuador
Price Range
N/A
SoftHard

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

Durability, Stability & Workability

Decay resistance
Moderately Durable
Outdoor suitability
Limited
Dimensional stability
Good

Texture: Medium to coarse texture with straight to wavy grain.

Workability: Easy to machine and glues well.

Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.

Finishing: Finishes exceptionally well with almost any product.

Color change: Lightens slightly or develops a golden patina with age.

Insect resistance: Moderately resistant to termites but not decay.

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 Nogal (Peruvian 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 are standard for imported furniture-grade lumber.
    Lengths
    Random lengths typically vary from 6 to 10 feet.
    Request this size →
  • 5/4rough 1-1/4"
    Surfaced
    1-1/16"
    Widths
    Random widths are standard for imported furniture-grade lumber.
    Lengths
    Random lengths typically vary from 6 to 10 feet.
    Request this size →
  • 6/4rough 1-1/2"
    Surfaced
    1-5/16"
    Widths
    Random widths are standard for imported furniture-grade lumber.
    Lengths
    Random lengths typically vary from 6 to 10 feet.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Random widths are standard for imported furniture-grade lumber.
    Lengths
    Random lengths typically vary from 6 to 10 feet.
    Request this size →

Availability notes: Available through importers of exotic tropical hardwoods.

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: Light to dark brown

Grain: Straight to figured

Common Uses

  • Furniture
  • Cabinetry
  • Millwork

Key Characteristics

Also known as: Peruvian Walnut;Andean Walnut

Availability: In Stock

Advantages

  • Janka indentation hardness: 960 lbf
  • Heartwood decay rating: Moderately Durable
  • Sourced from Peru;Ecuador

Considerations

  • Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
  • Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
  • Availability may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives to Consider

Species commonly specified for similar applications when Nogal (Peruvian Walnut) is unavailable or over budget.

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