Of the world’s several walnut species, it’s the American black walnut (Juglans nigra) that claims the title of most beautiful. Because of its continuing demand as a classic furniture wood (as well as for its exquisitely figured veneer), black walnut reigns as the nation’s most valuable furniture and cabinet species, even though it represents less than two percent of all commercially available U.S. hardwoods.
It's interesting to note that black walnut is one of the few native hardwood species that is planted by Midwestern farmers, like any other crop. These patient investors have found that the future value of these trees makes them worth the wait.
History in woodworking
In the New World, black walnut has always been at the top of the list of preferred furniture stock, but throughout Europe and the British Isles, walnut was historically (with some exceptions, such as Queen Anne style furniture) given more attention for its nut crop than its wood.
Today, walnut remains a favorite for everything from turned bowls and platters to paneling, musical instruments, carvings, and sculpture, as well as furniture. Due to its stability, hardness, and shock resistance, walnut remains the top choice for rifle and shotgun stocks.
Where the wood comes from
About three-quarters of all commercial black walnut comes from the Central U.S., although it grows in the East and as far north as southern Ontario. You’ll find the finest walnut trees (for color and size) in the Upper Mississippi River Valley where Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin border. There’s also a native black walnut on the West Coast, Juglans hindsi, California walnut. However, the tree is of smaller stature and the wood color more bland. Claro walnut, both costly and of limited availability, comes from southern Oregon and northern California. Especially sought by gunstock makers, the beautifully figured wood originates in the lower trunk of grafted orchard walnut trees (European black walnut, known for its nut crops, joined with roots of American or California walnut).
North America boasts another commercial walnut. Butternut (Juglans cinerea), often called white walnut due to its much lighter color, proves a carver’s delight because it’s softer and lighter.
European walnut (Juglans regia) grows throughout most of Europe and England, but most woodworkers prefer the North American species for its richer color. There’s also a walnut (Juglans neotropica) which grows in South America. Although it looks and works much like black walnut, it has a coarser grain.
What you’ll pay
Expect to pay from about $4 per board foot for 4/4 #1 Common to nearly $7 a board foot for FAS (the best grade) surfaced three sides. Lumber displaying some lighter-colored sapwood usually costs less.
Plywood costs from $70 for a 4x8' sheet of 1/4 -thick stock to more than $150 for a 3/4-thick sheet. Plain-sliced veneer carries a price tag of about $3.50 per square foot. Burl veneer will cost nearly $25 a square foot.
How to select the best stock
Because black walnut’s sapwood is very light-colored compared to its heartwood, it’s been a practice in the industry to steam the lumber, which evens out the color, but also makes the wood dull and gray. Many woodworkers are willing to drive a few extra miles for air-dried stock. Whether you choose kiln- or air-dried stock, bear in mind that over a few years, walnut's deeper purples and browns gradually fade to a lighter, yellow hue.
While some woodworkers design furniture that incorporates the contrast between sapwood and heartwood, others stain the sapwood (see “Black Walnut Finishing Secrets”), or remove it completely, for a more uniform look.
Working black walnut in the shop
You can work this classic wood with either hand or power tools. Because the wood contains extracts that can irritate the eyes and skin, you should wear a dust mask or respirator when machining and wash up afterward.
• Ripping and routing. Walnut works easily, but may cause some dulling of cutting edges. Pay careful attention to the direction of the feed, especially when working figured crotch wood.
• Boring and drilling. As with any hardwood, it’s best to drill pilot holes for screws.
• Assembling. No matter what type of adhesive you use (all work with walnut) be sure to minimize squeeze-out, then remove squeeze-out when it thickens. Unless you use a dark-tinted glue, such as Titebond Dark Wood (Woodcraft #08L46, 8 oz.) the dried glue will
