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Walnut
Handloggers’
Opinion
Walnut is such a beautiful wood it practically jumps out and captures
the customer! The color is so distinctive and the grain is full
of figure. We have sold walnut for use in all settings from traditional
to modern to cabin rustic. It is a challenge to describe all the
variability in grain and color to the customer so your best bet
is to come into our showroom to see large sample installed floors.
Appearance
Color: Heartwood ranges from a deep,
rich dark brown to a purplish black. Sapwood is nearly white to
tan. Difference between heartwood and sapwood color is great;
some flooring manufacturers steam lumber to bleed the darker heartwood
color into the sapwood, resulting in a more uniform color.
Grain: Mostly straight and open, but
some boards have burled or curly grain. Arrangement of pores is
similar to hickories and persimmon, but pores are smaller in size.
Variations within species and grades:
Great variety of color and figure within species, as well as variation
in color among boards, especially in lower grades and from material
that isn’t steamed prior to kiln-drying.
Properties
Hardness/Janka:
1010; 22% softer than Northern red oak.
Dimensional
Stability: Excellent (change coefficient .00274; 26%
more stable than red oak).
Durability: Moderately dense, very
strong, good shock resistance. Not as dent-resistant as oak.
Workability
Sawing/Machining: Easily worked with
hand tools, and has excellent machining qualities.
Sanding: Sands satisfactorily.
Nailing: Fair resistance to splitting;
good holding ability.
Finishing: Finishes nicely, with a
handsome grain pattern.
Comments: Distinctive sweet aroma
when worked. Frequently used as a highlight material for borders
or other inlay techniques.
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to species page
"Wood
Species Used in Wood Flooring, publication A200, ©1994" provided
with permission and courtesy of the National
Wood Flooring Association.
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