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JUGLANS REGIA
Distribution
Western Europe
The tree
The tree is generally grown in the open where it may reach a height of
18-25m with large spreading branches; the bole rarely exceeds 6m in length
and 1m in diameter.
The timber
The colour of the heartwood is variable with a grayish-brown background
and contrasting irregular dark streaks. On wide boards three distinct
zones are seen; the true heartwood in the middle, darker than the rest;
the sapwood on the outside; much paler; between them an intermediate zone,
often slightly pinkish-brown in colour. When exposed to strong sunlight
the colour fades, eventually becoming a dirty grey unless protected. Blue-black
stains may develop on the wood if in contact with iron or steel under
damp conditions. The ornamental character of the heartwood is often accentuated
by a natural wavy grain. Highly figured veneers are cut from burrs, crotches
and stumpwood. French walnut tends to be somewhat paler and greyer than
English, while the Italian wood is characterised by its elaborate figure
and dark, streaky coloration.
Technical properties
Walnut is unique in its combination of moderate density, good working
and finishing properties, toughness and resistance to splitting –
qualities which make it unsurpassed for gun and rifle stocks and certain
kind of wood carving. It seasons well, though rather slowly, with relatively
little shrinkage and a moderate amount of movement in service. It is classed
as very good for bending. The heartwood is moderately resistant to insect
and fungal attack.
Uses
Walnut is now too scarce to be used in the furniture industry in the solid
form for any but high-quality cabinet work and chairs and small parts
such as handles and fittings. Walnut veneers are widely used for cabinet
work, paneling, shopfitting and high-class joinery. For the solid parts
of veneered walnut furniture it is general practice to use other timbers
such as African walnut, beech and abura, stained if necessary to match
the veneer. Other used include fancy goods, especially turnery, sports
goods – mainly for decorative purposes – and musical instruments.
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