- 4123 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
- M-F 7:30am-4pm | Sat 10am-4pm
*Inventory fluctuates daily. Call to verify exact board foot quantities.
Because every board is unique, we do not sell directly online. Contact us to get pricing or have us pull the perfect stack for you.
Janka Rating: 1,290 lbf — Black Walnut provides a favorable balance of strength and workability, making it durable for furniture and flooring while remaining manageable for intricate woodworking. This moderate hardness rating ensures the wood can withstand daily use without excessive wear.
Black Walnut’s heartwood displays a rich, chocolate-brown to deep purple-brown color with dramatic black streaks, while the sapwood is a pale, creamy white that is rarely used in premium applications. The grain is typically straight with occasional wavy or interlocked patterns, creating a visually striking figure. The wood has a natural luster that enhances its beauty, and it often exhibits unique grain patterns such as curl or quilted figure, which are highly prized for their aesthetic appeal.
Black Walnut machines exceptionally well with both hand and power tools, producing smooth surfaces with minimal tear-out. However, its oily nature can cause tools to dull more quickly than less oily woods, so regular sharpening is advised. It glues well with standard wood adhesives. For finishing, Black Walnut accepts stains and finishes beautifully, though its dark color may highlight surface imperfections. We recommend testing finishes on a scrap piece first, as the wood’s natural oils can occasionally cause issues with certain finishes.
This premium hardwood is commonly used for high-end furniture, custom cabinetry, flooring, architectural millwork, musical instruments, and decorative veneers. It is also popular for boat building, specialty woodworking projects, and interior trim where its rich color and elegant grain are showcased.
