Hardwood Floors April May 2018

SPECIES SPECS Wa l nu t , B l a c k Ame r i ca n RESOURCES

Juglans Nigra

A deciduous tree found primarily in the eastern U.S. Grows from Vermont to the Great Plains, south to Louisiana and Texas. The majority is grown in the central states. Readily available. ORIGIN: American black walnut is a highly sought-after species commonly used in flooring, cabinet making, furniture, gunstocks, musical instruments, boatbuilding, architectural woodwork, handles, and decorative veneers. The nuts from the tree are edible. Walnuts also produce a natural dye, available in the popular walnut brown color. USES:

Image courtesy of courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation

The heartwood ranges from light greyish brown to dark chocolate brown or even purplish black. The sapwood is nearly white to yellowish gray or tan. The color difference between the heartwood and sapwood is drastic unless steamed during the manufacturing process. COLOR: The grain is normally straight and open. It can also be irregular, curly, or wavy. Burls, crotches, and knots add the unique characteristics for which walnut is often known. Walnut is semi-ring porous. GRAIN: Great variety of color and figure within the species, as well as variation in color among boards, especially in lower grades and from material that has not been steamed before kiln-drying. VARIATIONS WITHIN SPECIES AND GRADES:

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