For the professional framer, solid Black Walnut moulding (Juglans nigra) is the ultimate choice to meet the growing demand for "quiet luxury" and authentic craftsmanship.
Why Black Walnut?
Black Walnut is a premium hardwood prized for its natural aesthetic—ranging from pale brown to dark chocolate with smoky, grey-brown undertones. It pairs perfectly with the 2026 trend for earthy, nature-inspired palettes like deep greens and warm neutrals.
Managing Natural Variation
When ordering bare wood Black Walnut from LION, it is important to remember that natural variation is part of its charm.
- Colour & Grain: Expect a spectrum of tones, from mid-brown to rich chocolate, often featuring darker wide grains and occasional streaks of purple or red.
- Consistency: While we take great care to match lengths, bare woods vary more widely than finished mouldings. You may also see the occasional pale yellow-grey sapwood, which adds to the authentic, non-uniform character desired by modern clients.
Workshop Tips
Walnut is one of the hardest woods and some skill and the right equipment is required to get the best results.
Cutting & Joining: Walnut is one of the hardest woods and even with professional framing equipment it can be tricky to get a great join - so we recommend ordering on our Chop + Routing Service. You'll receive the frame precision cut to size with routed slots in each mitred face - simply hammer in the supplied dovetail keys to pull the corner tightly together.
Warping & Lengths: Walnut is naturally prone to warping and often supplied in shorter lengths than other woods - on average between 2m and 2.2m but this varies a lot.
Finishing: To stay on-trend with the 2026 preference for low-sheen, tactile surfaces, we suggest skipping the stain.
This timber looks its best with a simple clear wax or a matte hard wax oil to enhance the natural grain.
