With its gorgeous chocolate tone and easy workability, its easy to see why Black Walnut is often regarded as the classic American cabinet wood. The heartwood varies from light grayish-brown to deep chocolate brown, occasionally approaching an almost black or purplish-brown. The grain is slightly open and usually straight, but is famous for its sometimes stunning figure. All boards are machined S4S to 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses. Thin boards are well-suited for edging, veneering, marquetry, sides for decorative boxes, bending stock and bent laminations. Thicker boards are ideal for furniture, paneling, cabinet doors, moldings, drawer sides, fine jewelry boxes and whatever else your imagination can dream up! Tree: May attain a height of 70 to 90 feet, with a 24 to 48 inch diameter trunk. Texture: Usually coarse, but uniform. Luster: Somewhat dull, but develops a lustrous patina after many years in use. Odor: Emits a mild, sweet odor reminiscent of cocoa. Movement: Dimensionally stable after seasoning. Absorbs and releases moisture more slowly than most woods. Natural Durability: Resistance to insects and fungi is very good. Working characteristics: Works extremely well with hand tools. Steam Bending: Steam bends well. (Roughly 78% of steam bended pieces survive without cracking). Strength: The wood is strong and is able to withstand extra weight with little deflection or bending.
