American Black Walnut

Durability:

American Walnut is very durable. Sapwood liable to attack by powder post beetle. The heartwood is resistant to preservative treatment and biodegradation.

Mechanical Properties:

This is a tough, hard timber of medium density, with moderate bending and crushing strengths, and low stiffness. It has a good steam bending classification.

Seasoning:

The timber dries slowly with a marked tendency to warp and distort. It is best to kiln dry the wood for best results. There is very small movement in service.

Uses:

  • In the USA it is the standard timber of rifle butts and gunstocks.
  • It is extensively used for high-quality furniture, cabinetmaking and interior joinery, boatbuilding, musical instruments, clockcases, turnery and carving.
  • A major timber in plywood manufacture and sliced for panelling, cabinet veneers and decorative veneers for all kinds in the form of stumpwood, crotches, burrs, burls, etc.
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Description

American Walnut’s heartwood is a rich dark brown to purplish-black, mostly straight grained, but with wavy or curly grain occasionally present. The texture is rather coarse. Weight averages 640 kg/m³ (40 lb/ft³); specific gravity .64.

Additional information

Latin Name

Juglas nigra

Family Name

Juglandaceae

Distribution

Eastern USA and Ontario, Canada

Also know as

Canaletto, black hickory nut, Canadian walnut, walnut tree