The Properties of Walnut
Contents |
Introduction
Walnut trees are deciduous trees from temperate climates, with the European species being lighter than the American species. The distinguishable sapwood and heartwood can be between five to ten centimetres, and of grey or red-coloured stripes depending on location and wood age. Walnut trees are part of the plant genus Juglans.
Non-Juglans Walnut trees include Brazilian Walnut, African Walnut, Queensland Walnut, Caribbean Walnut, and New Guinea Walnut.
English Walnut
A variety of species of walnut can be used for wood carving and woodwork, but the most common are English Walnut and Black Walnut. English Walnut, or Juglans regia, is typically known as Common Walnut, and provides the majority of edible walnuts for human consumption.
Walnut wood is hard, heavy, and resilient, capable of resisting warping and suffering very little shrinkage. The grain is irregular but typically straight with a medium texture. The endgrain is semi-porous with distinct growth rings.
Although susceptible to insects, English Walnut is quite resistant to decay. While working with English Walnut wood, there is a slight odour. This wood doesn’t typically trigger allergies, but some skin and eye irritation can occur.
Related Walnut species include:
Black Walnut
With the scientific name of Juglans nigra, Black Walnut is a very popular and easy to find wood. A premium hardwood, it’s extremely easy to work with and popular with woodworkers in the United States. With its brown colour and shock resistance, Black Walnut is a strong hardwood that provides a great choice for any woodworking.
Its heartwood can either be a light brown colour or a dark chocolate brown, containing dark streaks. The sapwood is pale yellow, and the grain usually straight. Black Walnut has a medium texture and it’s extremely durable to decay, although it can be affected by insects.
When the grain is regular and straight, Black Walnut is very easy to work with; rarely stained, this wood sustains glue and finishes very well. Some tearout can happen with surfacing when the grain is irregular.
Similarly to English Walnut, Black Walnut can cause some eye and skin irritation.
Related Walnut species include:
Uses
As walnut wood is fairly easy to work with, it’s often utilised in carving, turning, and profiling, Its smooth surface allows for pieces to have a beautiful surface finish. Staining can occur when walnut wood is in contact with iron.
In addition, walnut wood can be used for flooring, solid wood or veneer for musical instruments and furniture, and interior decoration. Black Walnut is typically used for turned items, furniture, interior panelling, and cabinetry.
English Walnut can also be used for furniture, small wooden objects, and veneer.
--G&S Specialist Timber 16:26, 21 Apr 2017 (BST)
Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 11 things you didn't know about wood.
- Birch wood.
- Cedar.
- Chip carving.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Definition of tree for planning purposes.
- Engineered bamboo.
- Glulam.
- Hardwood.
- Laminated veneer lumber LVL.
- Lime wood.
- Oak wood properties.
- Physical Properties of Wood.
- Pine wood.
- Plywood.
- Properties of Mahogany.
- Softwood.
- Testing timber.
- The differences between hardwood and softwood.
- Timber.
- Timber preservation.
- Timber vs wood.
- Types of timber.
- Veneer.
- Wood ash.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.