Walnut
Walnut, scientifically known as Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) or Juglans regia (English Walnut), is a premium hardwood native to North America and parts of Europe. It is commonly referred to as American Black Walnut or European Walnut, prized for its rich color and versatile applications.
Appearance and Characteristics
Walnut is renowned for its rich, dark brown heartwood, often with hints of purple, gray, or reddish tones, and occasional lighter streaks. The sapwood is pale creamy white, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. It features a straight to slightly wavy grain with a medium texture and a moderate natural luster. Walnut is moderately heavy, typically weighing around 3.3 pounds (1.50 kilograms) per board foot.
Workability
Walnut is highly workable and a favorite among woodworkers for its ease of use and aesthetic appeal. It cuts, shapes, and sands easily with both hand and machine tools, with minimal tearout even in figured grain. The wood glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, with its dark tones enhancing under a clear or polished finish. Its moderate hardness makes it suitable for a wide range of projects.
Uses in Woodworking
Walnut is commonly employed in various woodworking applications, including:
-
Furniture: Walnut is widely used for high-end furniture such as tables, chairs, beds, and desks, where its rich color adds a sophisticated aesthetic.
-
Cabinetry: Its durability and elegant appearance make it a top choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry in residential and commercial settings.
-
Veneers: Walnut is sliced into thin veneers for decorative panels, inlays, and marquetry, showcasing its beautiful grain patterns.
-
Musical Instruments: Its tonal qualities make it ideal for guitar bodies, piano cases, and other instrument components.
-
Turned Objects: Walnut is turned on a lathe to create items like bowls, pens, and candlesticks, highlighting its rich coloration.
-
Paneling and Millwork: Walnut is used in interior paneling and millwork, adding warmth and elegance to spaces.
Durability
Walnut is known for its good durability and specific properties:
-
Indoor Use: Walnut is exceptionally well-suited for indoor applications like furniture, cabinetry, and paneling, where its rich color and durability enhance both aesthetic and functional value.
-
Outdoor Use: Walnut is not typically used outdoors due to its moderate susceptibility to moisture, but it can be used in protected applications with proper sealing.
-
Bug/Insect and Rot Resistance: Walnut’s heartwood offers good resistance to decay and moderate resistance to insects, though sapwood is susceptible to powder-post beetles. Proper finishing enhances its longevity.
VARIATIONS AND OPTIONS
All lumber now ships surfaced on 2 sides, and ripped on 1 edge at a minimum. Surfacing is done to a 1/16th over nominal (+- .030). Also there is an option for an s4s product at a premium price. S4S widths will be within 1/16th of an inch of stated widths.4/4 will be surfaced to 13/16ths.
5/4 will be surfaced to 1 and 1/16th.
6/4 will be surfaced to 1 and 5/16ths.
8/4 will be surfaced to 1 and 13/16ths.
10/4 will be surfaced to 2 and 5/16ths.
16/4 will be surfaced to 2 and 13/16ths.