Nogal — also commonly known as “Peruvian Walnut” — is a dark chocolate-colored walnut which often contains black lines and streaks and can sometimes be tinted (in this case, usually purple, when found). Not unlike its American cousin, Black Walnut, it typically has straight grain patterns (which can also occasionally be irregular), a medium to course texture and a good natural luster.

Despite these aesthetic similarities, it is much less common to find figuring in Nogal than in Black Walnut. It is generally considered very easy to work, stain, finish and glue, although irregular-grained boards can experience tearout issues when planed.

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Sustainability: Not listed in the CITES Appendices, however Juglans Neotropica is classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: Furniture, cabinetry, veneer, flooring, musical instruments, and interior trim.

Comments: “Peruvian Walnut” is the name given to a variety of true Walnut (Juglans) species which grow throughout Central & South America. The wood is typically darker than American Black Walnut, although it has a very similar density and working properties.

While being moderately durable, its applications are typically confined to ‘indoor,’ as it can make an inviting target for bugs and insects.

The wood is notorious for being slow to dry. It must be slowly and carefully air dried, prior to kiln drying. Logs are usually cut into boards of 4/4 thickness, for faster, more consistent drying. Thicker pieces have proven problematic with the irreegular occurance of wet zones — which can lead to “honeycombing,” or even internal collapse.