Black walnut, also known as the American Walnut, is one of the most sought-after domestic wood species for fine furniture, flooring, and other woodworking projects.
To truly appreciate walnut wood's beauty and versatility, it may be worthwhile to learn more about its distinct characteristics.
Black Walnut Tree Traits
The Black Walnut tree, given the scientific name Juglans nigra, is native to North America. It’s the primary source of walnut lumber used to craft fine solid walnut furniture.
Bark: The back of a mature Black Walnut tree is thick, dark gray, and deeply furrowed. These furrows often form distinctive, diamond-shaped patterns.
Leaves: Walnut leaves are large, compound leaves, typically with 7 to 9 leaflets. They are oval-shaped, with serrated edges and a pointed tip.
Fruit: The fruit of the Black Walnut tree is a hard, green husk that encloses the dark brown nut. This nut is prized for its rich flavor and nutritional value.
Features of Natural Walnut Wood
Walnut wood is among the most coveted local hardwoods. Along with cherry and mahogany, it was a standard for early American furniture—for good reason. It’s mostly recognized for its gorgeous brown color, ranging from light brown to dark chocolate, sometimes featuring deep brown streaks and grayish or purplish undertones.
The natural wood pattern ranges from straight grain to unique dramatic swirls. It’s a durable wood but also very workable, which is why it’s sought-after for woodwork, from fine furniture to musical instruments.
Color
Freshly cut: When freshly cut, the sapwood color of walnut lumber is grayish yellow to creamy white while the heartwood color is pale brown to dark brown.
Over time: Unlike other popular domestic wood types such as cherry, maple, and white oak, walnut wood tends to lighten over time. Constant exposure to direct sunlight typically lightens the wood faster. The dark brown color can gradually soften to a rich, lighter brown, sometimes with honey tones.
Grain
Walnut wood features striking grain patterns, ranging from uniform straight grain to highly figured waves and intricate swirls.
The tight swirly pattern, often caused by abnormal cell division that creates growths on the tree, is called a burl. And, the Y-shape pattern is called a crotch, which forms when the walnut tree forks, causing the wood fibers to wrinkle.
The Modern Platform Bed 2 in Walnut by TY Fine Furniture.
Workability
The American Walnut is a relatively hard and durable wood species. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1010, which means it offers some natural resistance to daily wear and tear. While it may not be as hard as some other wood types like hickory or maple, it’s still a strong and long-lasting material.
Walnut wood is generally easy to work with, both by hand and woodworking machinery. It sands, planes, and finishes smoothly, making it a preferred material among furniture makers.
Cost
Walnut wood is often considered a premium hardwood species, and its cost can be higher than other types of wood available locally. However, the beauty and durability of the American Walnut often justify the higher price tag, especially when it comes from sustainably managed forests.
Things You Need to Know About Black Walnut Wood
Where does walnut wood come from?
Walnut lumber used to craft solid walnut furniture primarily comes from Black Walnut or the American Walnut, which is indigenous to North America. Its natural range extends from central to eastern parts of the United States, appearing either as individual trees or in small clusters.
What to look for when buying solid walnut furniture?
Authentic walnut furniture has a solid feel that's quite distinct from particle board furniture covered in a dark wood laminate. Things to look for include the quality of the craft and finish. Pieces should be connected through traditional joinery and the finish is typically smooth and understated. The grain pattern isn’t too uniform and there must be color variation, even if it’s subtle.
Can walnut furniture be used outside?
While solid walnut wood furniture is durable, it’s not recommended for outdoor use. Constant Exposure to sunlight, rain, and snow causes the wood to deteriorate over time.
Why is walnut lumber expensive?
There are several factors that contribute to the higher cost of walnut wood. First, it's often recognized as a prized hardwood that’s not only durable but also beautiful with its rich color variation and unique grain patterns. Second, walnut is a favorite among furniture makers because it’s very workable.
Third, walnut wood isn’t as abundant as before and growing them in sustainably managed forests requires a labor-intensive process. Its lumber is so valuable that “walnut rustlers” would illegally cut and steal walnut trees.
Can walnut wood be stained?
Yes, walnut can be stained, and due to its natural texture, it offers a smooth finish. Depending on the type of wood finish used, its natural patina can be preserved, even enhanced as it ages. An organic finish made from natural ingredients may be a better choice if you wish to witness the unique color change over time.
What is walnut wood good for?
Aside from furniture, walnut is a good material for flooring and cabinetry. Some even use walnut wood for butcher block countertops. It’s also a popular choice for crafting gunstocks and high-quality musical instruments like guitars and violins.
Can walnut wood be used to smoke meat?
Yes, it’s okay to use walnut wood to smoke meat to achieve a heavy smoked aroma. But experts often recommend mixing it with other types of wood like apple, pear, pecan, and almond to tone down the sharp, sometimes bitter flavor.
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Understanding the distinctive characteristics of walnut wood helps you make informed decisions when choosing materials for your home. This knowledge may also encourage a greater appreciation for the American Walnut as a natural resource, motivating you to source walnut lumber from trustworthy suppliers.
If you're looking to furnish your space with walnut furniture, we’re here to help. We offer handcrafted solid wood furniture made from locally available wood types such as cherry, white oak, maple, and of course, walnut. Rest assured that our lumber is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Ohio.