The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: N. American Walnut

Botanical Name: Juglans, nigra

Lumber Name: Black Walnut, N. American Walnut

Grows In: North America

Products / Walnut, N. American

Description:

N. American Walnut is America's most prized hardwood and is used extensively in fine furniture.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: N. American Walnut has a wide range of color variability from a contrasting cream colored sapwood to tan to medium brown to chocolate brown heartwood. WFI offers a select quartersawn grade which does not include any of the cream colored sapwood.

Color Change: N. American Walnut exhibits a medium high degree of color change with the dark brown heartwood lightening over time to a more golden brown with the muting of the color variation found when freshly milled.

Hardness:

N. American Walnut is only 80% as hard as red oak (1010 on the Janka scale vs.1260 for red oak).

Where to Use:

N. American Walnut may be used residentially wherever America's most prized furniture wood would make a design statement. N. American Walnut is not recommended for use commercially due to its softness.

Stability:

N. American Walnut is average in stability, similar to red oak. For additional information, see:

Allergic Reaction Potential:

N. American Walnut has been known to cause both contact dermatitis and respiratory allergic reactions so care must be taken when coming into contact with N. American Walnut dust. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.

Known Finish Issues:

There are no known finish compatibility issues with N. American Walnut. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.