American Black Walnut is one of the most prized cabinet woods in the world - straight-grained heartwood ranging from rich chocolate brown to purplish-black, with outstanding workability. Supplied direct from AHEC member sawmills with NHLA grading and full chain-of-custody documentation.
Walnut is the only major North American hardwood with naturally dark heartwood - no staining required. It carves, turns, machines and finishes beautifully and ages to a slightly lighter, warmer brown. The species is sustainably managed under USDA Forest Service oversight and AHEC traceability.
Indicative values from The Wood Database, AHEC species data and USDA Wood Handbook (FPL-GTR-190). Actual values vary by origin and growing conditions.
| Character | Dry | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 1,010 | lbf |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 14,600 | psi |
| Stiffness (MOE) | 1,680 | 1,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity | 0.55 | - |
| Weight | 38 | lbs/ft³ |
| Radial Shrinkage | 5.5 | % |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 7.8 | % |
Other dimensions, grades and certifications available on request.
The benchmark dark hardwood for premium furniture and architectural millwork.
T/R ratio of 1.3, exceptionally stable for solid panels and wide boards.
Sustainably managed US forests; full AHEC chain-of-custody and legality.
Walnut starts dark and lightens; Cherry starts light and darkens.
American Black Walnut delivers immediate dark colour and slightly lightens with UV. American Cherry begins pinkish-tan and darkens to a deep reddish-brown over 6–18 months. Walnut is harder and denser; Cherry is smoother to machine.
The questions buyers, architects and joiners ask us most often about American Black Walnut.
Tannin-rich, water-tight hardwood - barrels, flooring and architectural joinery.
Pinkish-tan with bold open grain - abundant and easy to stain.
Warm reddish-brown hardwood - ages to a deep auburn patina.
Share thickness, grade, volume and destination port. We will revert with mill options, lead times and indicative pricing within one working day.
