Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
A furniture favourite: stable, pleasant to work, and rich in colour. Mostly an interior timber; plan around colour variation between heartwood and sapwood.
A furniture favourite: stable, pleasant to work, and rich in colour. Mostly an interior timber; plan around colour variation between heartwood and sapwood.
Overview
Black walnut is prized for furniture and interior joinery.
Best for: cabinetry, tables, turned parts, and details where you want deep colour.
Watch-outs: sapwood is much lighter than heartwood; plan your layout if you want a consistent look.
It machines and sands well, and it’s often forgiving with hand tools. Still allow for seasonal movement in wide panels.
Workability
Generally easy to machine.
Can burn on router bits; keep cutters sharp and keep moving.
Drying
Usually dries without drama.
Still acclimate before final sizing, especially for wide parts.
Toxicity
Dust can irritate. Use extraction, especially when sanding.
Knowledge network
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