Panels & Furniture Asia January/February 2018

38 MATERIALS
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Fashion in hardwood for furniture and
interiors, often going in cycles, is wellknown.
Cherry, maple, ash, mahogany,
wenge and rosewood are all good examples
of high value species that have come and
gone over the years. But there are a few
that stay the distance. Several species
have endured long term in popularity. Now
we are seeing walnut join that elite group.
The
World
Wants
Walnut
By Michael Buckley
Oak is one of those species that has
remained popular throughout
history. It is seen as traditional,
ecclesiastical and associated with
academia and wealth. Oak has stayed
fashionable throughout time especially
in western markets. Teak is another,
particularly in eastern countries, for
its durability. It is also associated with
wealth. Walnut by contrast has come and
gone in fashion over the years although
it has never completely disappeared in
popularity, as cherry did a decade ago.
So what is the driver of walnut these
days that suggests its current popularity
will continue long term? The answer is
complex.
WHERE IT GROWS AND
GOES
First let’s define walnut. The main source
of walnut in volume is in the USA where
American black walnut (Juglans nigra)
is exclusively native and grows in large
volumes across the States from the east
coast to Texas. The so-called European
walnut (Juglans regia) was originally
native to a stretch from Kashmir to Turkey
until introduced by the Romans to Italy
and France as well as other European
countries. The two species are different—
in colour and grain—and whereas
American black walnut is naturally
regenerated in forests and planted a little,
European walnut was mainly planted.
Then there are other substitute species
such as African and Rhodesian walnut,
so-called for marketing.
Estelle console table
in American black walnut
by Commune.
Image credit: Commune.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA