Walnut

Specs

Common Names

Black Walnut

Scientific Name

Juglans nigra

Origin

Eastern United States

Appearance

Heartwood can range from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Color can sometimes have a grey, purple, or reddish cast. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Figured grain patterns such as curl, crotch, and burl are also seen. Grain is usually straight, but can be irregular. Has a medium texture and moderate natural luster. Endgrain: Semi-ring-porous; large earlywood pores grading to medium latewood pores, few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; tyloses occasionally to abundantly present; growth rings distinct; medium rays barely visible without lens, normal spacing; parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates (sometimes very faint and barely visible even with lens) and banded (marginal).

Janka Hardness

1010 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

14,600 lbf/in2 (100.7 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,680,000 lbf/in2 (11.59 GPa)

Crushing Strength

7,580 lbf/in2 (52.3 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 5.5%, Tangential: 7.8%, Volumetric: 12.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.4

Durability

Black Walnut is rated as very durable in terms of decay resistance, though it is susceptible to insect attack.

Workability

Typically easy to work provided the grain is straight and regular. Planer tearout can sometimes be a problem when surfacing pieces with irregular or figured grain. Glues, stains, and finishes well, (though walnut is rarely stained). Responds well to steam bending.