Walnut

Walnuts are light-demanding species that benefit from protection from wind. Walnuts are also very hardy against drought. The Persian Walnut, and the Black Walnut and its allies, are important for their attractive timber, which is hard, dense, tight-grained and polishes to a very smooth finish. Because of its color, hardness, and grain it is a prized furniture and carving wood. Walnut burls are commonly used to create bowls and other turned pieces.  Walnut wood has been the timber of choice for gun makers for centuries, including the Lee Enfield rifle of the First World War. Walnut is also used for making guitar bodies.

Color: Heartwood ranges from a deep, rich dark brown to a purplish black. Sapwood is nearly white to tan. Difference between heartwood and sapwood color is great; some flooring manufacturers steam lumber to bleed the darker heartwood color into the sapwood.

Grain: Mostly straight and open, but some boards have burled or curly grain.

Characteristics: Moderately dense, very strong, good shock resistance. Not as dent-resistant as oak. Excellent machining qualities. Frequently used as a highlight material for borders or other inlay techniques.

Finishing: Takes to finishing very well and easily. Naturally stain resistant because of the oil in the wood.