American Black Walnut  

American Black Walnut is used in very high-end joinery and furniture.

Name:

Juglans nigra

Origin:

Eastern United States

Colour:

Heartwood can range from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. The colour can sometimes have a grey, purple, or reddish cast. Sapwood is pale yellow-grey to nearly white. Figured grain patterns such as curl, crotch, and burl are also seen.

Grain:

The grain is usually straight but can be irregular. Has a medium texture and moderate natural lustre.

Rot Resistance:

Black Walnut is rated as very durable in terms of decay resistance, though it is susceptible to insect attack.

Typical Applications:

Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior panelling, veneer, turned items, and other small wooden objects and novelties.

Density:

660 kg/m3 average

Workability:

Typically easy to work provided the grain is straight and regular. Planer tearout can sometimes be a problem when surfacing pieces with irregular or figured grain. Glues, stains, and finishes well, (though walnut is rarely stained). Responds well to steam bending.