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Wood species

Walnut

American black walnut · Juglans nigra

Our FAS domestic walnut is sourced from the finest sawmills in Michigan and is always kiln-dried after a long period of air-drying to minimize checking and maximize yield.

Walnut lumber at Fells Hardwood Supply in Hutto
Face grain · Fells Hardwood Supply, Hutto TX

Key facts

Janka hardness
MediumAbout 1,010 lb
Stability
AverageReliable furniture stock when kept indoors
Grain type
Mostly straightExcellent against straight grain; figuring and reversing grain may cause tearout
Rot resistance
Highly decay resistantHighly decay resistant; susceptible to insect attack
Sustainability
Domestic stapleU.S. black walnut
Workability
Generally excellentExcellent against straight grain; figuring and reversing grain may cause tearout

About this wood

This wood needs no introduction. Chocolate-to-purple heartwood, cream sapwood, and a medium texture that takes oil and shellac cleanly — that’s why walnut shows up in furniture, gunstocks, and anything meant to look finished.

We recommend utilizing walnut’s contrasting sapwood to enhance a project and minimize waste where possible. Straight grain machines easily; figuring and reversing grain can tear out, so light passes matter there.

Want more heartwood and wider faces than everyday walnut FAS? That’s a mill color/width sort — see Oak Rules / Prime, not a different species.

What we carry

Thickness is sold in quarters (4/4, 6/4, and so on) — see our hardwood thickness guide. Grades: NHLA grades.

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