What is Claro Walnut?
Claro walnut(Juglans Hindsii) is a species of the walnut tree. It is also known as California Black Walnut, Northern California walnut, and Hinds’ black walnut and It is native to California and Oregon. It grows very fast in a good climate. Therefore, its needs are met from the market.
Claro walnut is known for its rich color, workability, and durability. It is a versatile wood species. Mainly it is used for making high-quality furniture and small objects.
It is very similar to Black Walnut. Many of its physical features match each other. It is more expensive than other species of walnuts. Because it has many unique properties and its demand is very high.
| # | Claro Walnut |
| Scientific Name: | Juglans Hindsii (also Juglans California) |
| Tree Size: | 30-60 ft (9-18 m) tall, |
| trunk diameter | 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) |
| Dried Weight: | 40 lbs/ft3 (640 kg/m3) |
| Janka Hardness: | 1,130 lbf (5,030 N) |
| Shrinkage | Radial: 4.3Tangential: 6.4Volumetric: 10.7 |
| Wood Color: | lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate |
| Uses: | Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, musical instruments, veneer, and other small wooden objects. |
Claro Walnut Uses
Furniture
Color and stability play an important role in making high-quality furniture. Claro Walnut is renowned for its superior color stability and durability. Its dark color tends to darken over time. Carpenters consider it a better wood for furniture.
Its straight grain and medium texture give a uniform look to the furniture.
Musical Instruments
To make a great musical instrument such as a guitar body and other parts, wood must have good workable properties. So that the wood can be easily bent and the desired shape can be given. Also, the finishing of the wood should be good. So that the last product looks attractive.
Mahogany and Sapele are widely used for musical instruments. Claro Walnut is also famous but not as much as Mahogany. But it is a better alternative to mahogany and Sapele. Because Mahogany is a very rare and expensive wood. Read Sapele vs walnut
Gun stocks
Walnut wood is considered the best wood for gun stocks. Because it has great beauty, strength, density, resilience, and workability. Maple, Myrtle, Birch, and mesquite are also used for gun stocks. But experts consider Walnut to be the best.
Wood for gunstock should be dried slowly. So that the wood grain will hold well and withstand any shock.
Veneer
A veneer is a thin slice of wood and sometimes bark. Generally, it is about 3 mm in thickness. Many (about 7 or 12) veneer sheets are joined together to make plywood.
Apart from plywood, a veneer is used for many purposes. Wood veneer is used to cover large areas as walls and furniture. Solid Claro Walnut wood can be expensive for a large area. A veneer can be in the budget. From the outside, it looks exactly like real wood but it only has a veneer sheet.
Claro walnut Wood Color and Appearance
The color of whose hardwood is lighter pale brown to dark chocolate whereas sapwood is almost white in color. Sometimes its heartwood is gray, purple, and reddish. Its color depends on its climate and origin.
Mainly its grain is straight but some have irregular grain with medium texture and moderate natural luster.
Workability
The workability properties of Claro Walnut are very good. Although its hardness is medium. So that it is easy to cut and peel.
If we talk about planners then it also works well. But sometimes due to irregular grain, it can be a little problem. But it happens rarely.
In order to hold the nail and screw well, it is very important that the wood be hard. The hardness of the Claro Walnut is suitable for this.
Glues, stains, and finishes well. But very few people would like to stain Claro Walnut. Because people are crazy about its natural grain pattern. The stain can reduce its flare.
Availability and Price
There is no doubt that Claro Walnut is a rare and great species of walnut. We know great things are expensive. Claro Walnut is cultivated for lumber. It can be easily available in its native region.
But in other areas, you may find it a bit difficult. Because it is more expensive than Black Walnut and other species of Walnut. Some stores keep it in limited quantities. But it may be available on many online sites.
Price
It costs around $30.00 to $35.00 per board foot. But its price depends on many factors such as the grade, where the wood is being purchased, and the dealer.
A grade wood is the best grade, it does not have knots and defects. While some knots are present in B grade. A grade always costs more. Mainly A grade is used in musical instruments while B grade is used in making furniture and small objects.
Claro walnut tree
Claro walnut is a medium-sized tree. Whose length is about 30-60 feet. This is a single erect trunk tree.
These branches cannot be used as lumber. Because their branches are not thick. Trunks commonly reach 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) in diameter.
Claro walnut’s leaf is approximately 1 foot long, with 13-21 leaflets per leaf, each 2-5″ long. Its leaves are of dark green color.
Claro walnut has smooth nuts, brown with a thick shell. Its nut is an edible nutmeat.
Claro Walnut Pros and Cons
Although the Claro Walnut is a good species, it has some drawbacks. You should know this before using it.
Pros
- Here is a very durable wood, with very little care. It can be used for many centuries without any problem.
- Easily Worked with hand tools and electric tools.
- Famous for its rich brown color and straight grain pattern.
Cons
- This is an expansive wood species.
- It is susceptible to insect attack.
- It is likely to generate similar allergic reactions. Therefore, while working on this, pay attention to the safety of yourself and your team members.
Which wood is more Desirable, Black walnut or Claro Walnut?
It is very difficult to pinpoint which of them is better for your use. It depends on your usage. Both are very close to each other. They can be used as an alternative to each other.
We can say that Black Walnut is more sustainable whereas Claro Walnut is listed on the IUCN Red List. But Claro Walnut is better when it comes to durability and hardness.
If you are still confused then talk to your dealer and always buy from a trusted dealer.
