Walnut Wood Guide 2026
Juglans nigra
Premium dark domestic hardwood with beautiful grain
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 38 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Price: ~$15.25 per board foot
- Common uses include Fine furniture, Cabinetry, Gunstocks
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium
Workability: Excellent machining, gluing and finishing.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Clear oil or lacquer showcases figure; rarely stained.
Color change: Rich brown lightens to honey tone with UV exposure.
Insect resistance: Moderate
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 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.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
| 10/4 | 2-1/2" | 2-1/4" | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
| 12/4 | 3" | 2-3/4" | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
- 10/4rough 2-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 2-1/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
- 12/4rough 3"
- Surfaced
- 2-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
Availability notes: Widely available domestic hardwood; often steamed to even sapwood color.
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 to figured
Common Uses
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Gunstocks
- Flooring
Key Characteristics
Also known as: American Black 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
- Premium price point
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Walnut is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Olive Wood vs Walnut
Olive Wood produces the more dramatic and durable bowl, but it demands more skill and expense. Walnut is the more practical choice for most turners, offering beautiful dark tones, easy turning, and ready availability. For a functional kitchen bowl, Olive Wood's hardness and tradition give it the edge.
View comparisonCherry vs Walnut
Both are outstanding turning woods. Cherry is the better value and develops a gorgeous patina, making it ideal for heirloom pieces. Walnut wins when you need immediate visual impact with its rich dark tones and is especially striking in bowl work where sapwood edges are featured.
View comparisonWalnut vs Oak
Walnut delivers instant luxury with its dark, rich tones. Oak provides exceptional value and durability with more design flexibility. Your budget and style preference will drive the decision.
View comparisonWalnut vs Cherry
Both are premium natural-finish cabinet woods. Walnut is currently more trendy and dramatic. Cherry is more timeless and affordable. Choose based on the specific dark vs warm aesthetic and your kitchen's overall design direction.
View comparisonExplore More on Lumberama
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