Walnut Wood

Discover the timeless elegance of American Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), a prized hardwood renowned for its rich, dark coloration and exceptional working characteristics. This durable timber of medium density features a Janka hardness of 1010, moderate bending strength, low stiffness, and good dimensional stability. Native to the United States, primarily the Central States, its tight-grained texture polishes to a remarkably smooth finish, making it a distinguished choice for a wide range of architectural applications.

The heartwood of American Black Walnut ranges from light to dark chocolate brown, sometimes featuring a purplish cast and darker streaks, while the sapwood is a contrasting creamy white. To reduce this contrast, most commercially produced lumber is steam treated to darken the sapwood. While generally flat-grained, it can also exhibit a curly grain, producing a decorative figure. This versatile wood is available in various grades, typically FAS-F1F, No. 1 Common, and No. 2 Common, each suited for different applications, from fine furniture to flooring. It can be found in solid sawn lumber, veneer, and custom architectural profiles.

Specifications

• Species: American Black Walnut (Juglans nigra).
• Origin: Native to the United States, with its principal commercial region in the Central States.
• Key Characteristics: Heartwood is light to dark chocolate brown, sapwood is creamy white. Tight-grained, Janka hardness 1010.
• Common Grades: FAS-F1F (83%+ defect-free area), No. 1 Common (66%+ defect-free area), No. 2 Common (50%+ defect-free area).
• Available Forms: Solid sawn lumber, veneer, standard and custom architectural moldings, trim, and flooring profiles.

Applications

• High-quality furniture and casework.
• Architectural millwork, paneling, standing and running trim.
• Doors and flooring.
• Decorative veneers and applications requiring figured wood.

American Black Walnut's unique aesthetic and workability make it a premier choice for projects demanding sophistication and lasting beauty. It is easily fabricated using standard woodworking tools. The American Walnut Manufacturers Association encourages sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the continued availability of this exceptional timber. For specific project needs, various thicknesses, widths, and grain patterns are typically available.