Walnut trees are part of the plant family Juglanaceae, and can grow up to 130 feet tall. They are deciduous, or lose their leaves seasonally once they've reached maturation. Altogether there are 21 walnut species growing throughout Europe, Japan, and North and South America. A number of walnut species make a great choice as a floor surface as they offer unique colors such as creamy white and dark chocolate heartwood.

Walnut flooring is generally hard and dense, with a tight grain that makes them more resistant to water than other hardwood types. Walnut floors can also complement most formal and informal living spaces as they can be polished to a smooth, glossy finish. The color of walnut is greatly dependent on the way in which the wood is dries. If dried in a kiln, the color of walnut floors tends to be duller in color. Whereas air-dried walnut flooring has a more purple-brown hue.

The combination of an extensive color pallet and tight grain pattern makes walnut a popular material for furniture and floor manufacture. And walnut looks great whether it's in narrow or wide planks; with a new look or a distressed finish.

The most popular walnut flooring used in America is North American Black Walnut. Learn more about walnut flooring in our Hardwood Species section.