Walnut, European

Names and distribution:

The European walnut tree(Juglans regia) is a tree species of the open forests and agricultural landscapes of central and south-eastern Europe. In France in particular, walnut trees have been cultivated for centuries for their prized wood and for their fruit. However, the tree species is comparatively rare and scarce throughout Europe. The precious wood achieves top prices for good quality.

Wooden picture:

Sapwood and heartwood are clearly differentiated in color; heartwood is very variable depending on age and location from light brown to mouse-grey to dark brown, sometimes violet-brown in color, often with irregular markings, with stripes, veins or cloudy coloring. Distinct growth ring structure, medium poring, very decorative.

Properties:

Density at u=12% is 0.68 (0.57-0.81)t/m³ – depending on the growth location. The shrinkage from the fresh state to u=12% is specified as 6.7% tangential and 4.4% radial. Moderate shrinkage with good stamina. Easy and smooth to machine, good for profiling and turning. Produces uniformly smooth surfaces, easy to polish and stain.
The Brinell hardness is given as 34, the modulus of elasticity as approx. 12,500 N/mm2^.

Use:

Classic decorative wood, furniture wood, musical instruments, doors and stairs, turnery and carving work, gunstocks, parquet flooring and floorboard assortments.