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American black walnut (Juglans nigra)
Other names: Black walnut, American walnut
Distribution
Throughout eastern USA, but principal commercial region is the
Central States. One of the few American species planted as well
as naturally regenerated.General description
The sapwood of walnut is creamy white, while the heartwood is light
brown to dark chocolate brown, occasionally with a purplish cast
and darker streaks. Walnut can be supplied steamed, to darken sapwood
or left unsteamed. The wood is generally straight grained, but sometimes
with wavy or curly grain that produces an attractive and decorative
figure.Working properties
Walnut works easily with hand and machine tools, and nails, screws
and glues well. It holds paint and stain very well and can be polished
to an exceptional finish. It dries slowly, and care is needed to
avoid kilning degrade. Walnut has good dimensional stability.
Physical properties
Walnut is a tough hard timber of medium density, with moderate
bending and crushing strengths and low stiffness. It has a good
steam bending classification.Specific Gravity: 0.55 (12% M.C.) Average Weight: 609 kg/m3 (12% M.C.) Average Volumetric Shrinkage: 10.2% (Green to 6% M.C.) Modulus of Elasticity: 11,584 MPa Hardness: 4492 N Durability
Rated as very resistant to heartwood decay, it is one of the most
durable woods even under conditions favourable to decay. Sapwood
liable to attack by powder post beetles.Availability
USA: Reasonable availability with regional limitations.Export: Reasonable availability in both lumber and veneer. Main uses
Furniture, cabinet making, architectural interiors, high class
joinery, doors, flooring, and panelling. A favoured wood for using
in contrast with lighter coloured timbers. |
| Alder |
| Ash |
| Aspen |
| Basswood |
| Beech |
| Birch |
| Cherry |
| Cottonwood |
| Elm |
| Hackberry |
| Hickory |
| Hard Maple |
| Pecan |
| Red Oak |
| Sap Gum |
| Sassafras |
| Soft Maple |
| American Tulipwood |
| Walnut |
| Willow |
| White Oak |
© 2002 American Hardwood Export Council
1111 Nineteenth Street, NW • Suite 800 • Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-2720 telephone • (202) 463-2787 fax
