As the source of prized nuts and attractive hardwood, the walnut tree is one of the most common types of trees harvested for its lumber. With 21 different species, the walnut tree grows in many areas of the world, including Europe, Japan, Canada, Argentina, and the United States. In the United States, walnut trees are the only trees to produce a hardwood with such a rich, dark color. With a lifespan of 200-250 years and a large size, walnut trees offer an abundance of prized lumber.
Walnut trees grow with a straight grain, and the wood rarely bends. They are best identified by the tree’s well-known chocolate-brown wood, and although air-dried walnut lumber displays a purplish hue, kiln drying walnut helps the lumber to attain its beautiful brown color. The color of walnut lumber ranges from shades of creamy white to rich, dark browns.
A wood that only gets more beautiful with age, walnut lumber is ideal for centerpiece projects (like furniture), wood carvings, wood turnings, and veneers. It works well with hand tools and power tools, and the wood takes well to fasteners and glue. The lumber does not shift or change position very much; therefore, joints stay tight and remain perfectly in place for years to come. With steam, walnut can even be bent to create curved pieces.
Walnut wood is tough and hard with a medium density. It carries a low stiffness, which allows the lumber to be very durable. A natural wonder, it is resistant to preservative treatment and biodegradation. Walnut lumber is also very stable and shock resistant as a result of its high strength.
Historically, the Europeans of the New World brought the use of walnut lumber in furniture to the Americas, and the lumber is still widely used today. Gunstocks, for example, are manufactured out of the knotty portion of black lumber due to its clear features, and many musical instruments are made out of walnut lumber due to the wood’s high stability and ability to produce excellent tones.
Walnut lumber is also used to create a clean, natural finish in flooring projects, and the tight grain pattern ensures stability and lifelong strength. Walnut is a preferred wood for constructing furniture and cabinetry. Top-of-the-line veneers are created out of walnut lumber to add beauty to the exterior of fine cabinetry and other pieces.
With an huge selection of walnut lumber and an even larger knowledge base, J. Gibson McIlvain, one of the nation’s top lumber wholesalers, is a great resource for all lumber-related questions. McIlvain has more than 200 years of experience providing the best quality lumber to all customers, and they are available to answer all of your project questions. For more information or to purchase lumber for your next project, visit mcilvain.com today.
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