Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Black Walnut is one of the most prized North American hardwoods, renowned for its rich dark color and excellent working properties. It has been a favorite of furniture makers and craftsmen for centuries due to its beauty, strength, and durability.
Botanical Profile
Juglans nigra is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America, typically reaching 30-40 meters in height with trunk diameters of 60-120 cm. It produces edible nuts and has compound leaves with 15-23 leaflets. The tree prefers deep, fertile bottomland soils.
Physical Properties
The heartwood ranges from light to rich dark chocolate brown, sometimes with purplish tones. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray and clearly demarcated. Density of approximately 610 kg/m³ when dried, with a Janka hardness of 1,010 lbf. The wood is moderately stable in service.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low to moderate - generally kind to cutting edges
Gluing Advice
Good gluing properties with most adhesives
Finishing
Excellent - takes finishes beautifully, especially oil-based products
Steam Bending
Good steam bending characteristics
Historical Context
Black Walnut has been highly valued since colonial times, used extensively for furniture, gunstocks during the American Revolution, and fine cabinetry throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It was also used for early American rifle stocks and remains the wood of choice for custom firearms.
Technical Specs
Sustainable with proper forest management