What is claro walnut?

When it comes to beautiful hardwoods for furniture and décor, walnut is a favorite among many. But did you know that there are different types of walnut, each with its own unique characteristics? In this post, we'll explore the key differences between claro walnut (Juglans hindsii) and the more common black walnut (Juglans nigra).

First, let's talk about black walnut. It's a hardwood that's native to the United States, and it's often used for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Black walnut has a rich, chocolate-brown color with a straight grain pattern and occasional knots and swirls. It's a durable wood that can withstand wear and tear, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.

Now, let's look at claro walnut. Claro walnut is a subspecies of the California walnut tree (Juglans hindsii), which is found primarily in central and northern California. Claro walnut is known for its stunning figure, which includes swirling grain patterns and vibrant colors ranging from deep brown to red and golden yellow. The wood has a more irregular grain pattern than black walnut, which gives it a more unique and interesting look. It also tends to have more figure on average than black walnut.

At Lively Lumber LLC, we specialize in harvesting claro walnut from both orchards as well as urban salvages throughout central and northern California. We believe that its unique beauty and character make it an excellent choice for custom furniture and décor. Whether you're looking for a live edge table, a set of chairs, or a statement piece for your home or office, claro walnut is sure to impress. Check out our current claro walnut inventory here or contact us for custom claro requests!