Introduction
Black Walnut wood (Juglans nigra) is among the most highly prized, and sought after hardwood in the world… Favored by fine furniture makers, woodworkers and other craftsmen. Black Walnut may be considered the “king” of North American hardwoods.
If you’re thinking about using Black Walnut in your furniture, flooring, or woodworking project, this all-inclusive guide has got you covered on everything you need to know such as what is Black Walnut, price, pros, cons, and care tips.
What is Black Walnut Wood ?
American Walnut, or Black Walnut, is harvested from the Juglans nigra tree, which primarily grows in the eastern United States. The trees can grow to 100–120 ft (30–37 m) with clear trunks up to 3 ft (1 m) in diameter.
For millennia, this species has been treasured. Its bark, husks and wood were put to use by American Indians for medicine, dyes and tools. Today, Black Walnut is still considered a luxury wood used in the making of higher end furniture, musical instruments and interior finishes.
Appearance of Black Walnut
Colour of the heartwood: It is rich dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish streaks.
Sapwood Description: Yellowish white to creamy white, for a contrasting look.
Grain: Typically straight, but may be curly, wavy or have burly patterns valued for veneers.
Texture: Medium to coarse with an open texture and large pores; finishes well with oil.
This enduring natural beauty, along with the fact it will never go out of style Black Walnut timeless selection for up-scale and contemporary interiors.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value / Range |
| Janka Hardness | ~1,010 lbf (4,490 N) |
| Density (12% MC) | 610 kg/m³ (38 lbs/ft³) |
| Modulus of Rupture | 14,600 lbf/in² (~101 MPa) |
| Elastic Modulus | 1.68 million lbf/in² (~11.6 GPa) |
| Crushing Strength | 7,580 lbf/in² (~52 MPa) |
| Shrinkage (R/T/V) | 5.5% / 7.8% / 12.8% |
Key takeaway: Black Walnut is moderately hard, dimensionally stable, and resistant to shock, warping, and wear—making it ideal for long-lasting projects.
Advantages of Black Walnut Wood
Luxurious Aesthetic: One-of-a-kind color tones and grain patterns make every board unique.
Durable: Prevents warping, cracking, and shrinking; can withstand aggressive handling.
Workability: Easily workable — easy to cut, carve, and finish; can hold finer details.
Stability: Maintains shape with minimal movement once dried.
Resistance: Naturally resistant to rot and termites.
Hypoallergenic: Contains no sap or resin, reducing allergenic risks.
Value Retention: Black Walnut Furniture is usually valued from year to year.
Disadvantages of Black Walnut Wood
⦁ High Cost: It is one of the most expensive domestic hardwoods.
⦁ Light Sensitivity: Prolonged sunlight exposure can lighten its dark tone.
⦁ Scratch Prone: Despite the good hardness, sharp objects can mark the surface.
⦁ Limited Supply: Large, knot-free wide boards are scarce and expensive.
⦁ Juglone Toxicity: Living trees release juglone, which is toxic to certain plants, pets (like horses and dogs), but finished wood products are safe.
Common Uses of Black Walnut
Thanks to its beauty and resilience, Black Walnut is used in:
⦁ Furniture: Tables, chairs, desks, cabinets
⦁ Flooring: Premium solid or engineered hardwood flooring
⦁ Musical Instruments: Guitars, violins, flutes
⦁ Kitchenware: Cutting boards, bowls, utensils (food-safe when finished)
⦁ Decor & Art: Veneers, carvings, turned objects
⦁ Gunstocks: Favored for its strength and shock resistance
Black Walnut vs. Other Hardwoods
| Feature | Black Walnut | Teak | Mahogany |
| Janka Hardness | 1,010 lbf | 1,000–1,155 lbf | 800 lbf |
| Durability | Very durable | Extremely durable | Durable |
| Rot Resistance | Strong | Excellent (natural oils) | Moderate |
| Color | Dark brown | Golden brown | Reddish-brown |
| Cost | High | Very high | Moderate |
Black Walnut competes with teak and mahogany in durability and aesthetics but remains more affordable than exotic teak.
Pricing & Availability
⦁ Average Price: $6–$13 per board foot (varies by region, thickness, and grade).
⦁ Premium Slabs: Wide, figured boards (or live-edge slabs) are capable for bringing significantly higher prices.
⦁ Availability: Common in North America; sold worldwide.
Care & Maintenance Tips
To ensure Black Walnut furniture and flooring lasts for generations:
⦁ Avoid Sunlight: Use UV-protective finishes or oils to prevent fading.
⦁ Regular Dusting: Use a soft, clean cloth to dust often.
⦁ Oiling/Waxing: Apply linseed oil, beeswax, or coconut oil every 6–12 months.
⦁ Polishing: Use silicone-based polish for indoor furniture.
⦁ Scratch Prevention: Use coasters, mats, and felt pads under heavy objects.
FAQs About Black Walnut
1. Is Black Walnut wood good quality ?
Yes, it is a fine hardwood worth saving for it’s strength, durability and beauty throughout time.
2. How long does Black Walnut wood last ?
Indoors, it can endure for centuries. Outside (if properly treated), it can survive about 20 years.
3. Is Black Walnut better than oak ?
Walnut has a richer visual and tactile quality but oak is harder and more economical.
4. Is Black Walnut food-safe ?
Yes. Finished Black Walnut is safe for cutting boards, bowls, and utensils.
5. Why is Black Walnut so expensive ?
Its slow growth, lack of readily available wide boards and high demand make it a desirably priced hardwood.
6. Is black walnut a good wood ?
Yes, Black Walnut is tough, strong, and gorgeous, which is why it’s one of the top hardwoods for furniture and woodworking.
7. Why is black walnut wood so valuable ?
Its value comes from its rich, dark color, unique swirls and streaks of grain, resistance to rot, and relative scarcity.
8. How rare is black walnut wood ?
Black Walnut isn’t extremely rare but wide, high-quality boards are limited, which increases its price and demand.
Conclusion
Black Walnut wood is a luxurious, durable, and versatile hardwood—perfect for high-end furniture, flooring, and artistic projects. It is expensive, but the classic appearance, longevity, and luxury status of this product make it a good investment.
If you’re seeking a hardwood that’s both stunning and durable, a material that will add value while maintaining its good looks over the years, Black Walnut is one of the finest choices on the planet.