About the wood
Walnut
Juglans nigra
The premium domestic hardwood, native across North Carolina, and the species buyers ask for by name. Heartwood-to-sapwood contrast on the live edge is part of what you are buying.
- Janka
- 1010 lbf
- Density
- 38.0 lb/ft³
- Origin
- Eastern United States
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern
Working & finishing
Typically easy to work when the grain is straight; planer tear-out can show on irregular or figured grain, so figured slabs get a light final pass or the drum sander. Sands cleanly, glues well and holds screws well. Oil and hardwax oil finishes deepen the brown without a film and are how most OCC walnut leaves the shop; a film finish suits tops that need spill protection over feel.
Care
Wipe spills promptly and clean with a damp cloth, no harsh cleaners. Expect the color to lighten a shade over years in direct sun, and expect a little seasonal width movement across the top. Refresh a hardwax oil finish with a thin maintenance coat when the surface looks dry.