Growing a walnut tree requires a big commitment. However, it is well worth all the time and effort, as the value of walnut lumber has increased tremendously over the years. Although walnut has stiff competition from comparatively more famous woods like mahogany, it is considered a top-tier hardwood for a variety of purposes.
Walnut wood comes from the family of trees known as Juglandaceae. There are several types of walnut wood classified in this family. The most popular are black walnut, white (butternut) walnut and English walnut. However, the most prominent type of tree used to make lumber is the American black walnut. Wood has a rich history. Since colonial times, American families have used this wood in barns and houses. Lately, the wood is cultivated in the highlands of India, mainly in Kashmir, to make wooden furniture.
The nut timer has varied uses. It is used to make wooden furniture, musical instruments such as the piano, and wooden handicrafts. It is also used to make gun stocks, paneling, and room flooring. High-quality walnut lumber is made into veneers. These are sheets of wood that are about 1/28th of an inch thick and are usually glued onto cheaper grade lumber for framing.
There are two different types of walnut wood depending on the layer. While the inner layer is known as heartwood, the outer layer is known as sapwood. The sapwood is creamy white in color and is usually about three inches wide. The heartwood, on the other hand, sports a chocolate brown color. The surface of walnut wood has a fine grain variation. The rich and illustrious brown color lasts for centuries and is therefore a favorite for making wooden furniture.
Walnut wood is relatively easy to work with both hand and power tools. You can easily etch crisp details into wood after routing, shaping and sanding. It is strong, shock resistant and stable. Does not swell or shrink easily. These are the qualities that manufacturers of wooden furniture look for. The biggest advantage is that you don’t need to add a layer of tint to make it look more attractive. In addition, the natural color of the walnut wood gives it such an attractive appearance that you simply have to put a clear varnish on it. In fact, many walnut connoisseurs prefer not to color their wood.
The quality of walnut wood is usually judged by the probable defects that it may have. These defects include knots, insect holes, bird bites, dead limbs, etc. The best shaped part of any walnut wood is usually extracted from the roots of the tree. However, the amount of wood harvested from these parts is not much and can only be used to make small wooden ornaments. Wood furniture requires more wood and that is derived from the body of the tree. It is important to note that sawdust from hickory wood can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin. It could also cause serious illnesses like asthma and allergies. Dust masks are highly recommended when working with hickory wood.
