Hit 500 board feet of walnut cut this month and it changed my mind about the wood

I always thought walnut was too pricey and tricky for big jobs, but after running that much through the shop for a custom bar in Chicago, I get it now. The way it machines and finishes is just different... you can't fake that look. Anyone else have a wood they warmed up to after using a big amount?

3 comments

3 Comments

jana_scott1mo ago

Tell me about it. I had that exact moment with cherry last year. Built a huge farmhouse table and thought it was just okay until I finished it. Watching that color come up and change over a few months in the sun was like magic. You're right, some woods just need a big project to show off what they can really do.

the_simon1mo agoProlific Poster

Honestly, same thing happened to me with maple. Always saw it as boring shop wood until I had to build a whole wall of cabinets with it. The way it takes a clear coat and shows off that subtle grain under light totally changed my mind. It's not just for cutting boards anymore.

terry6771mo ago

Yeah, "you can't fake that look" is so true... I used to think it was just a fancy wood for small things.

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