BLACK WALNUT FURNITURE
Handmade Black Walnut Furniture, Built to Order
If you want a piece that looks rich the day it arrives and only gets better, walnut is hard to beat. The heartwood runs from milk chocolate to deep coffee brown, sometimes with hints of purple or gold, and it needs no stain at all. I finish it with a hand-rubbed oil and wax so the grain has real depth and feels smooth and warm under your hand.
Questions about walnut? Call or text Fran directly at 607-218-2044
About Black Walnut
American black walnut (Juglans nigra) grows across the eastern half of the United States and has been prized by furniture makers since colonial times. It’s one of the few naturally dark hardwoods native to North America, which is why it shows up in so many heirloom pieces.
- Color: Dark brown heartwood with creamy sapwood near the bark. I can build with all heartwood, or leave a little sapwood in for contrast if you like that look.
- Grain: Mostly straight with occasional waves and figure. Every board is different.
- Hardness: About 1,010 on the Janka scale. Strong and stable, but a bit softer than oak or maple.
- Aging: Under an oil finish, walnut slowly mellows to a warmer, slightly lighter brown over the years.
- Best for: Dining tables, desks, bed frames, credenzas, and statement pieces. It also makes beautiful cutting and serving boards.
What to Expect from Black Walnut
- Price: $$$$ (premium of the five woods I offer). The premium choice. Walnut lumber costs the most of the five woods I offer, so a walnut piece usually runs noticeably more than the same design in red oak or maple.
- With kids and pets: Walnut is a little softer than oak and maple. A dropped pan or a dog’s claws can leave a small mark. Many people come to love that as part of the piece’s story, and light marks can often be blended out with a little oil.
- Color over time: Rich brown from day one. Over many years it slowly mellows a bit lighter and warmer instead of getting darker.
- Matching your home: Looks striking against lighter floors and walls. In an already dark room, a walnut top on a maple base keeps things from feeling heavy.
- Care: Coasters for hot and wet items, wipe spills promptly, and a fresh coat of oil and wax once or twice a year.
Why I Like Building With It
Walnut cuts cleanly, holds crisp joinery, and every board has its own personality. I hand-pick my walnut from local mills so I can match grain and color across a whole piece, whether that’s a small writing desk or a full dining set.
WHERE MY WOOD COMES FROM
I hand-pick every walnut board myself from mills here in upstate New York, including Wightman Lumber in Portlandville, Southern Tier Hardwoods in Apalachin, Butler Hardwoods in Horseheads, and Heartwood in Sherburne. Choosing boards in person lets me match color and grain across your whole piece, so it looks like it came from one tree.
SHOP
Black Walnut Pieces You Can Order
Each of these designs can be built in walnut. Don’t see what you need? I build custom pieces to your exact size.
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Black Walnut FAQ
Is walnut a good wood for a dining table?
Yes. Walnut is very stable, so it stays flat, and it’s one of the most beautiful tabletop woods there is. Because it’s a bit softer than oak or maple, placemats and coasters help keep it looking its best.
Does walnut get darker or lighter over time?
Slightly lighter and warmer. Unlike cherry, walnut doesn’t darken. Under my oil and wax finish it gradually takes on a softer, golden-brown glow.
Why does walnut cost more than other woods?
Walnut trees grow slower and smaller than oak or maple, so there’s less wide, clear lumber to go around. I also go through more boards to match color and grain across a piece.
Can I get walnut with the lighter sapwood showing?
Yes. Some people love the contrast of the creamy sapwood streaks. Just let me know, and I’ll pick boards that show as much or as little as you like.
Do you stain walnut?
No stain is needed. The deep brown color is all natural, and I just bring it out with a hand-rubbed oil and wax finish.
Still deciding? Compare all five in my Choosing Your Wood guide, or explore White Oak · Cherry · Hard Maple · Red Oak.
Ready for a Custom Walnut Piece?
Tell me what you have in mind and I’ll send a free quote with pricing and lead time.
Or call or text me at 607-218-2044