The color of walnut heartwood varies, from greenish to dark brown when first cut. As the wood ages, initially it turns to a chocolate brown color and then darkens even more. We can certainly start an argument, but my opinion is that some of the best colored walnut comes from Missouri and the surrounding areas.
As walnut wood ages, it can get lighter! A rich honey color can come through. The change in color is not as pronounced as the patina that develops in cherry wood.
Its natural color can vary depending on the species and age of the tree and the part of the tree that the wood comes from. Over time, however, the natural dark color of walnut wood can lighten and fade due to exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors.
Walnut wood comes in a wide range of colors. Sapwood, or the outer part of the tree, ranges from yellow and gray to nearly creamy white. However, the heartwood or the inner portion of the wood come in dark or vibrant colors. Some colors may also be seen, such as reddish rays, purple marks, with some darker streaks.
Walnut wood can change color depending on the way it's dried or its age. The heartwood usually is a dark brown color and the sapwood is a light yellow color. When the wood is left out in the elements, such as the sun, the lighter wood will turn darker and the darker wood will turn lighter.
The skin of the walnut kernels can get dark during the pre- and post-harvest stages of the production. Dark kernels are less palatable for most consumers but are still edible and maybe preferable, especially in the ground form, for industrial use.
Walnut wood offers rich, brown colors that range from light to dark brown. The sapwood (outer part of the tree log) is pale yellow to white and the heartwood (center of the tree log) has brown shades that vary from light brown to dark chocolate brown with some dark brown streaks.
For example, the elements frequently darken pale wood and brighten dark wood, so years of sun exposure will typically lighten walnut wood furniture. While some people stain walnut wood to preserve the darker hue in perpetuity, it is commonly clear-coated or oiled.
If quality is judged by pleasant looks please go for light color. But if quality is judged by taste and health benefits associated with it, its brown walnuts and not white.
Pros: Walnut is a very strong and stable wood that can take intricate carving. The color can be beautiful. Cons: Some may not like the variation from dark to light that's sometimes found on a single wide board. Walnut is also one of the more costly woods.
New walnut has a consistent dark-brown color but as it gets older, two changes occur. 1: Unlike maple and cherry, it gets lighter. 2: A rich honey color starts to come through the grain.
6. Special Walnut by Minwax. Special Walnut by Minwax (also available here!) is a lighter, brown walnut color. I found it to be similar to Early American but with more muted brown tones and no red tones.
White walnut has a much lighter color than black walnut wood, but that's not the only difference: This wood is much softer, and it's not as durable against decay as the other types of black walnut wood. It's easy to work with, but because it's soft, it has a fuzzy surface, even after it's been sanded.
The kernel of a young, only torn walnut has a light color, after lying for several days, the kernel it darkens a little. This is a natural and normal process. After drying, the kernel takes on its permanent color.
No, tung oil darkens the natural hue of walnut wood not at all. However, you can use its darker variant to bring out the full extent of its color. If used correctly, pure tung oil can further accentuate the gorgeous grain patterns of walnut wood and will not discolor or become dull with age.
Dark Walnut stains look great with other dark colors, like plums, blues, greens, and dark reds. Alternatively, lighter colors like off-white, light grays, and other neutral shades can pleasantly contrast the eyes. Don't be afraid to mix different shades of stained wood and different types of wood in a room.
Tung oil varnish is a highly popular oil-based finish for walnut that offers excellent durability and water resistance, while simultaneously enhancing the natural beauty of the wood without significantly altering its hue. This type is chosen by many as the best oil finish for walnut.
That said, there are a few tells associated with fake walnut wood. For starters, an authentic piece will generally have some color variation, even within the individual boards, simply because walnut is not usually stained. Additionally, it will have a straight grain, perhaps with some curls.
Modern Walnut is a large-scale grey brown woodgrain with the casual features of knots and cracks.
Walnuts ripen in the fall. As the fruit matures, the hull softens and changes from solid green to a yellowish color. The fruits are mature and ready for harvest as soon as the hull can be dented with your thumb.
How to choose: Walnuts that are already shelled are convenient, but be aware that they do go rancid fairly quickly. Choose nutmeats that are plump and pale; avoid any that are shriveled or discolored. For whole nuts, avoid any where the shell shows signs of mold.
You can tell walnuts are turning old if they are rubbery or shriveled. They have turned rancid if they have a strange odor similar to paint thinner. Throw away rancid walnuts! Store shelled or unshelled walnuts safely in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Black walnuts have higher levels of antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other health-promoting compounds than the more common English walnuts, making them useful in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.