When it comes to wood, there are a lot of different options available on the market. This can make it tough to decide which type of wood is right for your needs. If you’re torn between American walnut and black walnut, you should know that there are several significant differences between them.
American Walnut vs Black Walnut: The Basics
First, let’s take a look at some of the basics of these two types of wood.
American walnut is a hardwood that is native to North America. Black walnut is also a hardwood, but it’s native to Central and South America.
American walnut tends to be lighter in color than black walnut, though both kinds of wood can vary somewhat in color depending on where they were grown and how they were processed.
Black walnut is generally more expensive than American walnut, but both kinds of wood are relatively affordable compared to other hardwoods.
| American Walnut | Black Walnut Wood |
| Lighter in color | Darker in color |
| Relatively inexpensive | More expensive |
| Grows in North America | Grows in Central and South America |
| Hardness: 1,010 lbf Janka rating | Hardness: 1,010 lbf Janka rating |
| Works well with hand and power tools | Works well with hand and power tools |
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a more detailed look at these two types of wood.
Appearance: American Walnut vs Black Walnut Wood
When it comes to appearance, both American walnut and black walnut are beautiful woods. American walnut has a lustrous finish that brings out the natural grain patterns in the wood.
Black walnut has a deep, rich color that adds sophistication and elegance to any project. If you’re looking for a wood that will add beauty and value to your home, either American walnut or black walnut would be a good choice.
Hardness: American Walnut vs Black Walnut Wood
Hardness is an important consideration when choosing hardwood floors because it affects how well the flooring will withstand daily wear and tear. The higher the Janka hardness rating, the more resistant the wood is to denting and wear.
American walnut has a Janka hardness rating of 1010, while black walnut has a Janka hardness rating of 1010. This means that both kinds of wood are equally hard and will stand up well to heavy foot traffic.
Functionality: American Walnut vs Black Walnut Wood
Both American walnut and black walnuts are strong woods that are easy to work with. They can be cut, drilled, sanded, and stained with ease. Both kinds of wood accept finishes well, so you can use whatever type of finish you prefer on your project.
Whether you’re building furniture or creating cabinets, either American walnut or black walnut would be a good choice from a functional standpoint.
Workability: American Walnut vs Black Walnut Wood
Both American walnut and black walnut are easy to work with using both hand and power tools. However, black walnut is notorious for producing large amounts of sawdust which can cause respiratory irritation.
Therefore, it’s important to use eye and respiratory protection when working with black walnut. Face masks and safety goggles are highly recommended.
Price: American Walnut vs Black Walnut Wood
When it comes to price, American walnut is typically more expensive than black walnut. This is due in part to the fact that American walnut trees are less common than black walnut trees and more difficult to cultivate. However, black walnut is also often grown as a crop on large plantations, which can drive prices down.
Overall, both American walnut and black walnut are beautiful woods that have many excellent properties. Whether you’re looking for attractive hardwood floors or high-quality furniture, either of these woods would be a great choice for your project.
What is the top 5 hardest wood?
If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting wood that will withstand heavy wear and tear, any of these hardwoods would be a good choice.
- Baraúna: 4,800 lbf (21,000 N)
- Quebracho: 4,570 lbf (20,340 N)
- Guayacan: 4,500 lbf (20,000 N)
- Gidgee: 4,270 lbf (18,990 N)
- Snakewood: 3,800 lbf (17,000 N)
Other top contenders include Ipe, Angelim Pedra, and Amendoim. However, it’s important to note that the level of hardness can vary depending on the type of wood, as well as where it was grown and how it was processed.
So when choosing a hardwood for your project, it’s important to consider all aspects of each wood and to evaluate them based on your specific needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
So, which type of wood should you choose? At the end of the day, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a light-colored wood with a lustrous finish, American walnut would be a good choice.
If you prefer a darker wood with more sophistication and elegance, black walnuts would be a better option. Whichever type of wood you choose, you can’t go wrong with either American walnut or black walnut.
In conclusion, both American walnut and black walnut are excellent options that will add beauty and value to your home. Whether you’re building furniture, cabinets, or other woodworking projects, these two kinds of wood are sure to deliver excellent results.
