NOCE EUROPEA (BIANCA)

Trade Names: French Walnut, European Walnut, Italian Walnut.
Similar Woods: Butternut, American Walnut, Boire.
Origin: Europe, Asia.
Range: Central, Western and Southern Europe, cultivated in Asia Minor, North Africa, North India and China.
Most appreciated within Europe is the French Walnut and the Italian Walnut.
Due to the severe periods of frost in France in the last ten years a great many of the existing trees
were damaged and thus are not longer suitable for the veneer industry.
As a result, veneer production has fallen off greatly and good logs can only be obtained in isolated cases.
Turkish, Spanish and Caucasian Walnut is available , but no so much in demand because of their highly
conspicuous and distinct texture.
Uses: Sliced veneer and lumber used in high quality architectural woodwork.
Only of significance for mass-produced furniture in Southern Europe.
Properties: The colour is light to dark brown of mouse grey, often with dark growth lines.
Certain periods of furniture are firmly associated with the use of this wood
(for example, Queen Anne furniture in Great Britain).
The trunks are generally dug out with the roots which are used to produce the choice head veneer.
Machining: Walnut can be worked with all tools without difficulty. Planed surfaces are very smooth.
Seasoning: As a rule Walnut can be dried without problems provided that the drying is not hurried.
Finishing: The decorative pattern is highlighted by silky lustre varnish.
This wood is also extremely suitable for polishing.
Jointing: Glue joints have high tensile strength. Screw joints hold firmly but should be pre-drilled.