Species Guide
Walnut
The Basics
Species Overview
Walnut is one of the most sought-after species in markets across the world and is unique to North America.
The sapwood of walnut is creamy white, whereas the heartwood is light brown to dark chocolate brown, making the difference in color quite distinct. Occasionally the heartwood has dark, even purple, streaks. The wood of walnut is generally straight grained, although sometimes with wavy or curly grain that produces its characteristic and attractive figure, sought after by designers.
Scientific Name
Juglans nigra
Avg. Board Length
6’ – 12’
Common Thicknesses
4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4
Also Known As
Black Walnut
Avg. Board Width
4” – 8”
Avg. Dried Weight
3.2 lbs/bdft
Where It Comes From
Growth Distribution
Walnut trees grow very widely across the eastern USA in mixed hardwood forests and on farms, concentrated in central states but spread from Texas to the eastern seaboard. The trees are one of the few hardwood species planted as well as occurring and regenerated naturally. They grow relatively tall and straight with few lower branches.
FIA data shows U.S. walnut growing stock is 137.8 million m3, 0.9% of total U.S. hardwood growing stock. American walnut is growing 4.8 million m3 per year while the harvest is 1.9 million m3 per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing 2.9 million m3 each year. U.S. walnut growth exceeds harvest in all major supplying states except Michigan.
Walnut from the USA is available as sawn lumber and as veneer. The lumber is generally sold un-steamed and unselected for colour. Specialist producers may offer steamed walnut intended to darken the sapwood and thus reduce the colour difference between heartwood and sapwood. Recent years have seen huge global demand for this species. NHLA Grading Rules are modified for walnut, allowing smaller specifications and smaller clear cuttings and sapwood is admitted without limit. Consultation with suppliers is recommended.
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0-4K
4-8K
8-12K
12-16K
16-20K
20-24K
Volume of live trees on forest land, 1000 m³
Uses
Common Applications
Walnut is considered one of the supreme species for high end furniture, cabinets, doors and interior joinery. It is used for flooring and panelling and it is widely used to contrast with other hardwoods.
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Cabinets
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Doors
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Flooring
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Furniture
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Panelling
