English Walnut (likely Circassian or European Walnut)
Juglans regia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Central Asia and Europe; widely cultivated in Western North America (specifically California).
- Hardness
- 1,220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack but possesses moderate rot resistance for internal heartwood.
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Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible wavy figure around knots; shows cathedral patterns from flat-sawing. Note the prominent crotch-like figure near the top knot and swirl patterns.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light greyish-brown to a darker chocolate brown. Sapwood is a distinct pale creamy white. The wood exhibits moderate luster and will darken/mellow into a honey-gold hue over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack but possesses moderate rot resistance for internal heartwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot for standard grades; live-edge slabs with figure can exceed $25.00 per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled air-dried stock, likely 1-3 years old post-harvest. The presence of fresh bark and lack of deep oxidation suggests it is relatively 'green' or baru-sawn material.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but large, old-growth timber is becoming scarce.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneers, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central Asia and Europe; widely cultivated in Western North America (specifically California).
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though the interlocked grain near knots can cause minor tear-out during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural chatoyance, or shellac for a traditional luster. Polyurethane is recommended for high-wear surfaces like table tops.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Fine texture and relatively lightweight for its strength. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some individuals.
