Old Growth Black Walnut represents premium Black Walnut timber from trees that grew slowly over 150-300 years in rich bottomland soils. Black Walnut is considered the premier furniture wood in North America, and old-growth specimens represent the absolute finest examples of this species. These trees, growing slowly over 150-300 years in rich bottomland soils, developed the complex grain patterns, rich colors, and exceptional working characteristics that make walnut the most prized native hardwood.
The heartwood of old-growth walnut displays the rich chocolate brown to purplish-brown colors that walnut is famous for, often with dramatic color variations and streaking that creates stunning figure. The sapwood is pale yellow to white, creating strong contrast with the heartwood. The grain can range from straight to highly figured, with some pieces showing dramatic swirls, curls, and other patterns that are highly prized by furniture makers and collectors.
Old Growth Walnut often exhibits exceptional figure that develops over centuries of growth. This can include crotch figure, burl patterns, and the highly prized “fiddleback” or “tiger stripe” patterns that occur when growth stresses create undulating grain. The slow growth of old-growth trees tends to concentrate and intensify these patterns, creating lumber that is as much art as it is material.
The working characteristics of Old Growth Walnut are superb. The wood machines exceptionally well, with clean cuts and minimal tearout even in highly figured pieces. It carves beautifully, holds fine detail, and takes finishes magnificently. The natural oils in walnut help protect the wood and contribute to its lustrous appearance. The wood’s stability is excellent, with minimal movement once properly dried.
Premium Furniture Wood – Old Growth Black Walnut is considered the finest native North American hardwood for furniture making and fine woodworking.
Exceptional Figure – Complex grain patterns and rich color variations create stunning visual effects that make each piece unique and highly valued.
Rich Chocolate Colors – Deep brown heartwood displays a dramatic color range from light chocolate to deep purplish-brown with natural streaking.
Superior Workability – The wood machines, carves, and finishes with exceptional results, making it ideal for detailed work and fine craftsmanship.
Outstanding Stability – This lumber shows minimal movement and excellent dimensional stability, ensuring long-term performance in finished pieces.
Natural Luster – Inherent oils create a beautiful, protective finish that enhances the wood’s appearance and provides natural preservation.