Walnut is without doubt our favourite wood species. This is laid bare by the fact that we’ve built more custom seats and dining tables from this noble tree than anything else.
Color & Grain
Walnut offers remarkable variation of color and pattern. The heartwood of the tree can vary from a mid tan through to a dark coffee brown while the sapwood is capable of turning pale yellow. It’s not uncommon to see walnut grain streaked with hints of purple, orange, and even green.
Walnut often displays a high contrast between annular growth rings. This contrast makes it ideal for highly decorative bookmatching and veneer projects. Fiddleback grain patterns are also a common occurrence.
Walnut & Live Edge Slabs
Established walnut trees can grow to over 100’ tall with bases that exceed 60” in diameter. The large girth of these trees can produce exceptionally wide slabs, which we love to use on desk, table and countertop commissions. Walnut slab live edges often possess slender feminine curves with little or no bark corrugation. Crotch slabs (sic) are also pretty common.
Resourcing & Structural Qualities
Walnut is commonplace the United States. While reclaimed resources of walnut lumber are scarce, many trees can be salvaged from old orchards, parks, and urban centres. All Offerman Woodshop slabs are ethically salvaged from California and Oregon.
Walnut is a dense, shock-resistant, and fine-grained hardwood. It polishes to a very smooth finish which makes it ideal for hand carving, furniture and musical instruments.
Click here to view our inventory of walnut slabs.
Become an owner
If you're serious about owning your own unique piece of heirloom-quality American furniture, we're here for you.
Inquire now if you'd like to commission us for something new
