SPECIES
WALNUT - APPEARENCE
Black walnut, a prized choice for hardwood countertops, butcher block islands, custom bar tops, and hardwood table tops, features dark brown heartwood complemented by lighter sapwood, often accented with dark streaks. Its grain characteristically exhibits curly patterns with mottled and burled figures, initially appearing dull but developing a rich, lustrous patina over time, lending an aristocratic elegance to any space. Ideal for adding character to small sections of walnut butcher block and walnut countertop, this hardwood thrives in visually balanced areas as kitchen island tops, harmonizing light-colored décor with its deep hues.
BLACK WALNUT – PSYSICAL PROPERTIES
In terms of physical properties, black walnut impresses with its hardness, scoring 1300 on the Janka scale, and exceptional dimensional stability, despite being relatively heavy and stiff, which can lead to brittleness. Renowned for its durability, even in adverse conditions, black walnut's high aromatic compound content may impart a distinctive taste to foods with prolonged contact, making it less suitable for cutting boards, chopping blocks and end grain butcher blocks.
BLACK WALNUT – WORKING PROPERTIES
Working with black walnut is a delight, as it responds equally well to machine and hand tools, allowing for intricate molding and shaping. Its short fiber enables elaborate edge profiles, while its ability to sand and polish to a high luster enhances its visual appeal. Walnut butcher block countertops and kitchen islands are receptive to mineral oil or polyurethane finishes, accommodating either option effectively. However, black walnut stains poorly, requiring careful consideration during finishing processes.
TRIVIA
An interesting trivia about black walnut contrasts it with its European counterpart, the edible walnut tree (Juglans regia). While the American black walnut thrives in forest stands, the European walnut prefers solitude, growing in meadows and glades with ample space between trees. This solitary nature results in distinctive growth patterns, with the European walnut producing shorter stems and thicker branches, prized for their unique grain patterns despite posing challenges for obtaining long lumber lengths being mostly employed for butcher blocks countertops and kitchen island tops applications.
