Black Walnut Wood 101

You might know black walnut for its uses in modern furniture and home renovation, but its history goes back further than that.

This rare and durable wood type might be just what you need for your next project. Learn more about black walnut wood and how it can elevaterevamp furniture and other projects.

What Is Black Walnut Wood?

Black walnut wood, scientifically known as Juglans nigra, is a type of hardwood prized for its rich, dark color and distinct grain patterns. Native to North America, particularly the eastern United States, black walnut trees produce wood that is dense, strong, and durable. Its heartwood, which ranges in color from light brown to a deep, chocolate hue, is particularly sought after in woodworking and furniture making.

Black walnut is a versatile material used in a wide range of applications, from high-end furniture and cabinetry to flooring, gunstocks, and decorative veneers. Its workability, combined with its natural resistance to decay and insects, makes it a popular choice for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Whether in traditional or contemporary designs, black walnut adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any project.

Characteristics of Black Walnut

Black walnut wood is very hard and durable. On the Janka hardness scale, it ranks 1,010, putting it above oak and beech wood.

You can rely on black walnut for woodworking projects, fine furniture, and structures like paneling for homes and commercial buildings. The workability and durability of black walnut wood make it ideal for a range of uses.

Color

Black walnut wood, contrary to its name, is naturally a rich brown color, ranging from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate, often with dark streaks. While black walnut may take on hues of light gray, purple, and red depending on lighting and the natural source, the sapwood is usually white or very light and can make up as much as 25% of the wood.

Black walnut wood at Osborne Wood features a light coffee brown shade, which is achieved by steaming the wood to enhance its natural colors and textures. This results in a uniform appearance making black walnut wood products ideal for stain-grade projects.

Physical Properties

With a Janka hardness rating of 1,010, black walnut wood is very durable. You can put it to good use by making it into furniture, cutting boards, and cabinetry. These wood slabs are incredibly versatile and, thanks to their gorgeous colors, look amazing with any polishes or finishes.

Mechanical Properties

Black walnut has low stiffness and high steam-bending properties. It’s around 3.16 pounds per bdft (dry weight) with a 7,580 psi crushing strength. Its natural moisture content falls around 12%. Black walnut shrinkage rates are about 5% radial, 8% tangential, and 11% volumetric on average.

Durability

Black walnut wood is renowned for its durability, particularly its excellent shock resistance. This means it can absorb and withstand physical impacts without easily denting, cracking, or degrading in appearance. This resilience makes black walnut a great choice for furniture, flooring, and other items that need to endure regular use and potential rough handling. Over time, black walnut retains its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that pieces made from this wood can last for decades when properly cared for.

Workmanship

Black walnut is popular in homes with outdoorsy and natural aesthetics. These wood slabs make for great live edge tables. Some people opt for kiln-dried live-edge black walnut slabs for craftsmanship purposes.

Advantages of Black Walnut Wood for Furniture

Black walnut is a great choice for shelves, coffee tables, dining tables, and cabinetry. Thanks to its shock resistance and hardness, it can withstand daily use while showcasing stunning (often straight) grain patterns and natural beauty.

Workability

Black walnut wood is considered lightweight. This makes it an ideal choice for craftsmanship and DIY projects in the home or outdoors. It’s naturally scratch and scuff-resistant; you don’t have to worry about tarnishing your finished piece.

This material is often used to make fine furniture and high-end live-edge pieces like end tables. When it comes to workable hardwood lumber, black walnut is one of the most luxurious choices.

Aesthetic Appeal

The wide color palette of black walnut makes it appealing for folks of all tastes and preferences. It features rich hues without distracting from the straight natural grain patterns, making it ideal for synchronicity and symmetry in interior design.

Black walnut is easy to stain and has a gorgeous, lustrous finish that many homeowners and woodworkers seek.

Environmental Benefits

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora lists plant species that are at high risk for extinction.

North American black walnut trees are not listed, as they’re extremely populous and available for both commercial and personal use. This means you never have to worry about harming the planet by using black walnut lumber. It is a sustainable wood choice.

How Do You Properly Care for and Maintain Black Walnut Furniture?

Black walnut products are low-maintenance since they’re naturally resistant to scratches and scuff marks. However, you should still take care to monitor the moisture content, sunlight exposure, and wear and tear your black walnut products face.

Limit Sunlight Exposure

While black walnut can be used for outdoor products, it’s far more popular inside the home and our products are only recommended for indoor use. This is because excessive sunlight exposure can fade the rich hues of this gorgeous wood. Keep black walnut pieces out of direct sunlight, even indoors.

Monitor Exposure to Moisture

When using a black walnut table, use coasters and cloths to protect the wood from excess moisture. Over time, this wood can warp and swell if too much water seeps in. This also means maintaining low humidity levels in your home. A dehumidifier can help in rooms that contain black walnut flooring and furniture.

Use a Soft Cleaning Cloth to Wipe Away Debris

Like anything else, black walnut furniture and flooring need regular cleaning to prevent them from looking dull and faded. Dust and debris will accumulate, but you can wipe them away easily with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water and soap to clean black walnut.

Choose Osborne Wood for Your Black Walnut Needs

We’re committed to providing quality wood for all types of handcrafting and woodworking ventures. Ready to start your next black walnut project? Speak with one of our product specialists to get started today.

FAQs

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