Wood species

Walnut

Juglans nigra · Juglandaceae

Also sold as Black Walnut

The premium domestic hardwood, native across North Carolina, and the species buyers ask for by name. Heartwood-to-sapwood contrast on the live edge is part of what you are buying.

Janka hardness: 1010 lbf
Density: 38.0 lb/ft³
Shrinkage T / R: 7.8 / 5.5 %
Origin: Eastern United States
IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Shop Walnut in stock (32)All live edge slabs

(Pre-Built) Walnut Classic Cut Tabletop #PB232 118" x 52" x 2.3" — overhead view — Oak City Customs

Pictured: (Pre-Built) Walnut Classic Cut Tabletop #PB232 118" x 52" x 2.3"

About Walnut

Black Walnut is the wood buyers ask for by name. Heartwood runs pale brown to dark chocolate, sometimes with a grey or purple cast, against sapwood that is nearly white. Grain is usually straight, with wavy or feather figure near a crotch, medium texture, moderate luster. It machines and sands easily for its density, and an oil or hardwax finish deepens the brown, which is how most of ours leave the shop. Expect the color to lighten a shade over years in sunlight. It suits dining tables, desks and conference tops, and the sapwood contrast is part of the character. Ours is milled and kiln dried in Zebulon, NC.

Working & finishing

Typically easy to work when the grain is straight; planer tear-out can show on irregular or figured grain, so figured slabs get a light final pass or the drum sander. Sands cleanly, glues well and holds screws well. Oil and hardwax oil finishes deepen the brown without a film and are how most OCC walnut leaves the shop; a film finish suits tops that need spill protection over feel.

Care

Wipe spills promptly and clean with a damp cloth, no harsh cleaners. Expect the color to lighten a shade over years in direct sun, and expect a little seasonal width movement across the top. Refresh a hardwax oil finish with a thin maintenance coat when the surface looks dry.

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