Walnut is a tall tree, 10m to 20m in height, found widely throughout France. Although it is often seen growing solitary in fields, it accounts for 2 400 ha. of sustainably managed forest. It can be harvested after 100 years.
Wood description
Heartwood is dark yellow to brown with darker veins. Walnut is a straight grained or slightly wavy, medium textured wood.
Preserving
Untreated walnut can be used as Class 2 timber (in dry atmosphere) as it is naturally durable. After treatment it can be used as Class 4 timber (in contact with non-salty water).
Physical and mechanical properties
It is quite a hard wood with good mechanical properties. It is elastic and only slightly fibrous. Ripples and burrs are quite common.
Average density | 660 kg/mᶟ |
Total average volumetric shrinkage | 14.1 % |
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres | 26 N/mm² |
Modulus of rupture under bending | 117 MPa |
Breaking stress under axial compression | 63 MPa |
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending | 11 900 MPa |
Conditions of implementation
Main uses
Walnut is prized by furniture, cabinet and layout makers because of its colour, hardness and grain and its ability to be turned easily. It is also favoured for veneer. Veneer sliced from walnut burl is highly prized by cabinet makers and presitige car manufacturers.