At Vermont Woods Studios, our mission is rooted in sustainability. Each piece of furnishings we supply on-line or in our showroom is made with responsibly sourced North American hardwoods— as a result of we consider that stunning design and conserving the locations we love go hand in hand.
When clients ask us concerning the distinction between walnut and black walnut, we’re all the time comfortable to clarify— and to spotlight why this species performs such an enormous function in sustainable American craftsmanship.
So, what’s the actual distinction between walnut and black walnut?
They’re the Similar Tree
Right here’s the brief reply: walnut and black walnut are the identical species. After we consult with “walnut” in American furnishings making, we’re nearly all the time speaking about black walnut, or Juglans nigra. It’s prized for its wealthy chocolate brown tones, sturdiness, and placing grain patterns.
So whether or not you see it labeled as “walnut” or “black walnut,” you are getting the identical high-quality hardwood.
Be taught Extra About Walnut Wooden
Why It Issues
We’re agency believers that understanding the place your furnishings comes from is a part of making extra sustainable selections. In contrast to imported or unique hardwoods, North American black walnut is harvested underneath a few of the strictest forestry rules on the planet, which helps defend ecosystems and guarantee long-term forest well being.
Once you buy walnut wooden furnishings from us, you’re supporting accountable land stewardship proper right here at dwelling, in addition to native craftsmanship.
American Walnut vs. Black Walnut
Right here’s the place issues can get just a little tough— American walnut is just one other frequent title for black walnut. Whether or not you see it labeled “American walnut,” “black walnut,” or simply “walnut,” you’re speaking about the identical species: Juglans nigra.
Furnishings makers generally use the time period “American walnut” to differentiate it from imported species like English walnut. It’s grown, harvested, and crafted right here in america underneath strict forestry rules, which is why it’s a favourite for sustainable American-made furnishings.
English Walnut vs. Black Walnut
Whereas black walnut is the go-to alternative for American furnishings makers, you may additionally hear about English walnut, or Juglans regia, generally additionally referred to as Persian walnut. This species is native to areas stretching from Southeast Europe to Western Asia and is extensively cultivated for its edible nuts— the identical ones you discover in grocery shops.
In relation to furnishings, English walnut is lighter in coloration than black walnut, usually with creamy to gentle brown tones and delicate grain patterns. It’s softer and fewer dense than black walnut, making it simpler to work with but in addition barely much less sturdy for heavy-use items.
As a result of it’s not native to North America, most English walnut lumber within the U.S. is imported, which might carry a better environmental footprint in comparison with domestically sourced hardwoods. At Vermont Woods Studios, we prioritize North American species like black walnut to maintain our sourcing sustainable and clear.
The place Black Walnut Grows
Black walnut timber are native to the Japanese and Central United States, thriving in areas from Vermont to Missouri and right down to the Carolinas and Mississippi River Valley. The local weather and soil in these areas make for gradual, regular progress, which contributes to the hardwood’s density and sweetness.
In reality, a few of the best black walnut is discovered proper right here within the Northeast— one of many causes our craftsmen love working with this unimaginable wooden. It’s robust, secure, and excellent for heirloom-quality furnishings that’s constructed to final.
What Does Walnut Furnishings Look Like?
Walnut furnishings is unmistakable as a result of its distinctive coloration. The wooden ranges in coloration from gentle pale brown to a wealthy, darkish chocolate coloration— usually with delicate undertones of grey, purple, and even purple. What makes walnut particularly distinctive is its placing grain patterns, which may be straight and modern or wavy and sophisticated, relying on the minimize.
You would possibly discover lighter edges in walnut boards— referred to as sapwood— which distinction superbly with the darker heartwood, including pure variation and visible depth. Over time, walnut gently lightens with age, growing a comfortable patina that highlights its heat with out dropping its pure magnificence.
Why We Select Walnut
At Vermont Woods Studios, we love walnut wooden not simply due to the way it seems to be, however as a result of it’s a sustainable alternative that aligns with our values of defending forests and selling accountable forestry right here in america. Selecting native hardwoods like black walnut helps scale back the carbon footprint of our furnishings and helps American foresters who’re dedicated to sustainable practices.
At Vermont Woods Studios, each piece of walnut wooden furnishings we supply displays our dedication to sustainability, American craftsmanship, and timeless design. By selecting furnishings constituted of responsibly harvested North American black walnut, you are supporting wholesome forests and native craftsmen whereas buying heirloom high quality furnishings which you could be ok with– each at the moment and for generations to come back.
