English Walnut
Juglans regia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but often features irregular, wavy grain near junctions. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with some swirling near a knot/inclusion.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light dingy brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is nearly white to pale yellow. Exhibits a moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,220 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; susceptible to insect attack but moderately resistant to decay.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneer, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia; widely cultivated across Europe and North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently dried; the surface shows light oxidation and recent machine planishing marks but no significant environmental patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN, though old-growth stands are becoming rarer.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though can be prone to planer tearout in figured areas.
Notable Features
Faint, characteristic nutty scent when worked. Fine texture and relatively lightweight for its strength. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance the figure. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for durable surfaces like table tops.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the distinct contrast between the creamy sapwood and the variegated brown heartwood, combined with the pore structure visible in the flat-sawn grain, is highly characteristic of the Juglans genus.