A medium sized deciduous hardwood that is found in the area ranging from the Appalachian mountain range of northeast United States to eastern Canada. Although American black walnut is native in North and Central America, it is closely related to butternut, which it resembles in colour and grain formations. It is also related to English, French, Italian and Circassian or Turkish Walnuts.
Burl walnut is veneer cut from the root growths of American black walnut. The stumps from which it is cut are very large, weighing from one to two tons. The veneer is, of course, very carefully matched into patterns of very fantastic and decorative forms when artistically handled. Burl veneer is also cut from knotty formations, called burls, which form on the roots and larger limbs of the trees.
Curly walnut, the wood which has a wavy, curly grain formation, is very popular. It is cut from certain trees which have grown in a twisted shape because of soil conditions or the stress and strains to which they have been subjected.
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General Characteristics
Tough timber of medium density, it is very durable. The wood has exceptional strength and is so hard that it does not bruise, mar or scratch easily. When it is damaged the defect doesn't show up much because of the dark color of the wood and its dense texture. In strength it is superior to English, Italian and French walnuts.
Colour / Pattern
Rich brown to purplish black. Mostly straight grained but with wavy or curly grain present occaisionally. American black has an open-grain and fine texture. In color it is a dark, tawny brown for the heartwood, while the sapwood is very light, grayish white.
Uses
Extensively used for high quality furniture, cabinet making, boat building, and interior joinery.
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