English Walnut
Juglans regia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia; widely cultivated across Europe and North America.
- Hardness
- 1,220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; susceptible to insect attack but moderately resistant to decay.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1,220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; susceptible to insect attack but moderately resistant to decay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
