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Blunting Effect
Boring
Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Drying Rate
Kiln Schedules
Light-Induced Color Change
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Numerical Data
Odor
Painting
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Substitutes
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Juglans nigra

Trade Name
Black walnut

Family Name
Juglandaceae

Common Names
American black walnut, American walnut, Black walnut, Eastern black walnut, Eastern walnut, Gun-wood, Nogal, Nogal blanco, Nogal silvestre, Nuez meca, Tocte, Tropical walnut, Walnut, Walnut tree, Wavey black walnut

Regions of Distribution
North America

Countries of Distribution [VIEW MAP]
Canada, United States

Common Uses
Bedroom suites, Boat building (general), Bobbins, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Caskets, Chairs, Chests, Coffins, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Fixtures, Floor lamps, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Gunstocks, Hatracks, Interior construction, Kitchen cabinets, Living-room suites, Millwork, Moldings, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: piano, Office furniture, Paneling , Paneling, Particleboard, Picker sticks, Plywood, Posts, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rifle stock, Rustic furniture, Shade rollers, Shingles, Shuttles, Specialty items, Spindles, Spools, Sporting Goods, Stencil & chisel blocks, Tables , Tables, Turnery, Veneer, Veneer: decorative

Environmental Profile

Abundant/Secure

Widespread

Rank of relative endangerment based on number of occurences globally.

May be rare in some parts of its range

Globally secure

Data source is Nature Conservancy

Abundant

Distribution Overview
Black walnut is found throughout the eastern United States. It grows as far north as southern Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, southern Michigan, and southern Ontario. Isolated populations occur in the southern half of New York, Vermont, western Massachusetts, and northwestern Connecticut. Its range extends south to northwestern Florida, and to Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana except for the Mississippi Valley and Delta regions. In the Midwest, isolated populations occur in eastern Texas, western Oklahoma, central Kansas, and southeastern South Dakota. Black walnut is cultivated in Hawaii. Grows naturally in 32 states and in southern Ontario, Canada, most abundant in Allegheny Mountains to North Carolina and Tennessee. Occasionally cultivated as ornamental in eastern United States, western and central Europe. Planted in Europe for timber. Wind pollinated. Suited to rich bottomlands and fertile hillsides from lower Hudson Valley southward, walnut will grow a few hundred miles outside its natural range, but may not bear nuts.

Heartwood Color

Red

Brown

Pink

Purple

Yellow

Black

Dark brown

Purple

Brown

Pale brown

Purplish tinge

Greyish brown

Brown - deep chocolate

Black

Sapwood Color

White

Yellow

Brown

Red

Green/Grey

Pink

White to yellow

Well defined

Paler than heartwood

Yellow/Brown

Different than heartwood

It is a common practice to steam or stain the sapwood to match its color with that of the heartwood.

Grain

Figure

Straight

Distinct (figure)

Burrs (figure)

Very fine

Wavy

Stripe (figure)

Mottled (figure)

Closed

Even

Growth rings (figure)

Irregular

Straight

Figure shows burrs

Figure occurrence is very fine and distinct

Distinct figure

Wavy

Striped figure

Mottled figure

Open

Occasionally wavy

Irregular

Curly

Clear growth rings (figure)

Pore arrangement is similar to that in the Hickories (Carya) and Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana ), but the pores are smaller. The wood is famous for its wavy, curly and mottled figures which are obtained from burls, crotches and stumpwood.

Texture

Coarse

Fine

Medium

Coarse

Uniform

Medium coarse to coarse

Fine

Luster

Medium

High

Dull

Develops a lustrous patina after many years in use.

Natural Durability

Susceptible to insect attack

Moderately durable

Non-resistant to powder post beetles

Non-resistant to termites

Perishable

Non-durable

Durable

Non-resistant to marine borers

Sapwood non-resistant to furniture beetles

Resistant to powder post beetles

Very durable

Durable

Moderately durable

Resistant to insect and fungal attack

Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack

Odor

Tasteless

Mild odor, when worked

Light-Induced Color Change

Darker

Toxicity

Some toxic effects

Kiln Schedules

Dry at a slow speed

Air-dry as thoroughly as possible before kiln drying

Drying Defects

Distortion

Splitting

Checking

Moderate collapse and honeycombing

Slight surface checking

Ring failure due to wetwood

Iron stains due to extractives

Honeycombing possible

Collapse

Checking due to severe drying

Ease of Drying

Fairly Easy

Variable

Rapidly

Reconditioning Treatement

Easy

Dries slowly

Difficult

Kiln Drying Rate

Naturally dries quickly

Drying rate is fairly rapid to fast

Tree Identification

Bole/stem form is straight

Tree Size

Bole length is 20-30 m

Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm

Tree height is 40-50 m

Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm

Tree height is 30-40 m

Bole length is 10-20 m

Sapwood width is 5-10 cm

Sapwood width is 0-5 cm

Tree height is 50-60 m

Tree height is 60-70 m

Trunk diameter is 200-250 cm

Sapwood width is 10-15 cm

Tree height is 20-30 m

Trunk diameter is 250-300 cm

Trunk diameter is 300-350 cm

The mature tree is described as rather large. Boles are often clear of branches

Product Sources
Although Black walnut lumber is available, supplies are not as abundant as they once were, and its use is down because of high prices. American black walnut, which produces the greatest variety of figure types than any other tree, demands a high price because it is so well respected that buyers are not deterred by the price.

Substitutes
Crabwood (Carapa guianensis) is similar in density.

Koa (Acacia koa), Aningre (Aningeria altissima, Aningeria robusta), and Ekop (Tetraberlinia tubmaniana) have similar properties.(moulding props.)

Mansonia (Mansonia altissima) is similar in strength and has superior bending and resistance to shock properties.

Mutenye (Guibourtia arnoldiana

G. ehie), Tchitola (Oxystigma oxyphyllum) and Imbuia (Phoebe porosa) are good veneer substitutes.

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Walnut is rated as the primary American wood for cabinetry, and is superior to all other woods for gunstock because it keeps its shape, it is relatively light in weight, and can absorb shocks rather well. The wood is strong and can withstand extra weight with little deflection or bending. Its strength properties are more than enough for the uses which it is employed, and is stronger than White oak. Color and figure are reported to vary considerably within species, and color variation between boards is also significant, particularly in lower grade materials and boards that are poorly steamed before kiln-drying.

Blunting Effect

Moderate

Little

Moderate effect

Boring

Fair to good results

Fairly difficult to very difficult

Very good properties

Percent of bored pieces reported to produce good to excellent results = 100

Cutting Resistance

Easy to saw

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw

Cutting Resistance with green wood is easy

Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy

Easy to saw

Gluing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Easy to glue

Fair to satisfactory gluing properties

Mortising

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Fair to Good Results

The wood has exceptional mortising properties. (Percent of mortised pieces reported to yield fair to excellent results = 98)

Moulding

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Fair to Good Results

Poor moulding properties

Expected number of moulded pieces out of one hundred producing good to excellent results = 34

Movement in Service

Excellent Stability - Small Movement

Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement

Stable

Small

Shows only small movement after manufacture

Dimensionally stable after seasoning

It is reported to absorb and give off moisture more slowly than most woods

Nailing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Pre-Boring Recommended

Very Good to Excellent Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Holds nails well

Percent of pieces free from complete splits in nailing operations = 50

Planing

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Irregular grain is liable to pick up and may be difficult to plane

Fairly easy to work

Average number of planed pieces out of one hundred reported to yield perfect results = 62

Resistance to Impregnation

Resistant heartwood

Resistant sapwood

Response to Hand Tools

Easy to Work

Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work

Responds Readily

Easy to machine

Works well with hand tools

Moderate working qualities

Routing & Recessing

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Sanding

Responds well to sanding operations

Leaves a clean, smooth surface

Screwing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Pre-boring recommended

Very Good to Excellent Results

Fair to Good Results

Good screw holding properties

Average number of pieces out of one hundred reported to screw without complete splits = 59

Turning

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Very easy to turn

Good results

Percent of pieces reported to produce fair to excellent results in turning = 91

Veneering Qualities

Veneers easily

Veneers moderately easy

Suitable for peeling

No drying degrade

Moderately easy to veneer

Various figures can yield decorative veneers

Suitable for slicing

Suitable for peeling

No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting

Good gluing qualities

The figures include crotches, swirls, stumpwood, stripe or ribbon, mottle, snail and occasional burls.

Steam Bending

Poor to Very Poor Results

Tends to Degrade

Unsuitable

Good

Percent of unbroken pieces after steam bending = 78

Painting

Good results

Takes paint well

Polishing

Fair to Good Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Good results

Excellent results

Staining

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Very Good to Excellent Results

Finish is generally good

Very good staining properties

Filling is required because of open grain

Varnishing

Varnished easily after filling

Strength Properties

Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.

Max. crushing strength = medium

Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low

Bending strength (MOR) = medium

Hardness (side grain) = soft

Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate

Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large

Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low

Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.

Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium

Shrinkage, Radial = small

Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium

Max. crushing strength (stiffness) = very low

Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low

Shrinkage, Tangential = small

Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large

Shrinkage, Radial = moderate

Max. crushing strength = high

Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.

Numerical Data

Item	Green	Dry	English

Bending Strength	9300	14831	psi
Crushing Strength	549	1103	psi
Density		40	lbs/ft3
Hardness		1012	lbs
Impact Strength	52	40	inches
Maximum Crushing Strength	4276	7330	psi
Shearing Strength		1590	psi
Static Bending	4312	8918	psi
Stiffness	1433	1695	1000 psi
Work to Maximum Load	12	13	inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity	0.48	0.55
Weight	43	38	lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage	4		%
Tangential Shrinkage	7		%
Volumetric Shrinkage	14		%

Item	Green	Dry	Metric

Bending Strength	653	1042	kg/cm2
Crushing Strength	38	77	kg/cm2
Density		641	kg/m3
Hardness		459	kg
Impact Strength	131	101	cm
Maximum Crushing Strength	300	515	kg/cm2
Shearing Strength		111	kg/cm2
Static Bending	303	627	kg/cm2
Stiffness	100	119	1000 kg/cm2
Work to Maximum Load	0.84	0.91	cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity	0.48	0.55
Weight	689	608	kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage	4		%
Tangential Shrinkage	7		%

References
Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois, E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Hardwoods - Temperate and Tropical. USDA, Forest Service, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Brown, H.P. and Panshin, A.J.,1940,Commercial Timbers of the United States Their structure, identification,,properties and uses,McGraw-Hill, London

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World: - No.7 North America,TRADA

California Department of Forestry. Comparative Physical & Mechanical Properties of Western & Eastern Hardwoods. Prepared by Forest Products Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California. n/d.

Canadian Forestry Service. 1981. Canadian Woods - Their Properties and Uses. Third Edition. E.J. Mullins and T.S. McKnight, Editors. Published by University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Canada.

Clifford, N.,1957,Timber Identification for the Builder and Architect,Leonard Hill (Books) LTD. London

Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO

Harrar, E.S.,1942,Some Physical Properties of Modern Cabinet Woods 3. Directional and Volume,Shrinkage,Tropical Woods,9(71, pp26-32

HMSO, 1981. Handbook of Hardwoods, 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed.

I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting

Jackson, A. and D. Day. 1991. Good Wood Handbook - The Woodworker's Guide to Identifying, Selecting and Using the Right Wood. Betterway Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kaiser, J. 1992. Wood of the Month: Claro - The West Coast Walnut. Wood and Wood Products, August, 1992. Page 50.

Kaiser, J. 1989. Wood of the Month - Walnut: Our Prestigious Domestic. Wood of the Month Annual, Volume 1, Supplement to Wood and Wood Products. Pages 35-36.

Kline, M. 1976. Juglans nigra - Black walnut. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Pages 195-196.

Kukachka, B.F.,1962,Characters of Some Imported Woods,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,,Foreign Wood Series,No.2242

Little, E.L. 1980. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees - Eastern Region. Published by Arthur A. Knopf, New York.

Markwardt, L.J., Wilson, T.R.C.,1935,Strength and related properties of woods grown in the United States,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin,No.479

Mullins, E.J. and McKnight, T.S.,1981,Canadian Woods Their Properties and Uses,University of Toronto Press 3rd Edition

NWFA. 1994. Wood Species Used in Wood Flooring. Technical Publication No. A200. National Wood Flooring Association, Manchester, MO.

Panshin, A.J. and C. deZeeuw. Textbook of Wood Technology. McGraw-Hill Series in Forest Resources. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York.

Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press

Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1943,Timbers of the New World,Yale University Press

Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London

Rijsdijk, L.F. and Laming, P.B.,1994,Physical and Related Properties of 145 Timbers, Information for,Practice,TNO Building and Construction Research Centre for Timber Research Kluwer,Academic Publishers

Rink, G.,1985,American Woods - Black Walnut,USDA, Forest Service, American Woods FS-270

Stone, H.,1924,The Timbers of Commerce and their Identification,William Rider & Sons Ltd. London

Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd.

Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition

U.S.D.A. Forest Service,1974,Wood Handbook,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Handbook,72

USDA. 1987. Wood Handbook : Wood as an Engineering Material. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook No. 72. Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

USDA. 1988. Dry Kiln Operators Manual, Preliminary Copy. Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Wangaard, F.F., et al,1954,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 4,Tropical Woods,14(99, pp1-187

Wang, S.F.,1963,Studies on the absorption and penetration of woods treated with various,treating methods of preservatives,Taiwan Forest Research Institute Bulletin,No.89

Wolcott, G.N.,1950,An Index to the Termite Resistance of Woods,Agricultural Experimental Station, University of Puerto Rico Bulletin,No.85

Wood, A.D.,1963,Plywoods of the World: Their Development, Manufacture and,Application,Johnston & Bacon Ltd. Edinburgh & London

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