Let's Talk About Walnut
Walnut wood is one of our most popular options at Alabama Sawyer (our Legacy table looks great in walnut), and it has generally been a prized material for furniture, flooring, and more for centuries due to its warm tones, strength, and beautiful grain patterns. But what exactly makes the urban walnut we use at Alabama Sawyer so unique?
Color Variations
Walnut wood can vary in color depending on the species and where it is grown. Black Walnut, the species of walnut we source, typically has a dark chocolate brown color from heartwood, warm golden tones from sapwood, and sometimes hints of purple. Because the walnut we source is grown in urban environments, this leads to even more color variations than that of commercially grown trees.
Over time, walnut wood can also change color due to exposure to light and air. It may darken or lighten, developing a rich patina that adds to its character and beauty. We offer both a natural finish that highlights the original characteristics of the wood, and stains that create a more uniform appearance in coloration. Check out our walnut Hyo side table!
Grain Patterns
Walnut wood is known for its striking grain patterns, which can range from straight to wavy or even curly. Our urban sourced walnut offers particularly unique and one of a kind variations in grain that you can't find in commercially grown walnut.
Our Cahaba Table (pictured above) is the perfect display of walnut's beautiful grain.
When cut and crafted, walnut wood can showcase intricate patterns and textures that make each piece unique. The contrast between the darker heartwood (older part of the tree) and lighter sapwood (younger part of the tree) adds depth and visual interest to the grain.
Historical significance of walnut wood
Walnut wood has been highly valued for its durability, rich color, and beautiful grain patterns. In ancient times, walnut wood was used to create furniture, musical instruments, and even weapons. The wood was prized for its strength and workability, making it a popular choice for craftsmen and artisans. Our classy Beach Avenue Tables maintains a timeless design, honoring the long history of walnut furniture.
During the Renaissance period, walnut wood experienced a surge in popularity. It was used by renowned furniture makers and artists to create intricate pieces that showcased the beauty of the wood. Walnut wood furniture became a symbol of wealth and sophistication, adorning the homes of nobility and royalty.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, walnut wood gained popularity in America as well. American furniture makers appreciated the versatility of walnut, using it to create everything from ornate Victorian pieces to simple Shaker-style furniture.
While walnut wood has always been highly regarded, there have been instances where unscrupulous sellers have misrepresented other types of wood as walnut to fetch a higher price. This practice, known as wood fraud, has been a challenge for both consumers and the woodworking industry.
Today, walnut wood continues to be a sought-after material for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative items. As the demand for walnut wood continues to grow, we here at Alabama Sawyer collect urban trees that would normally be left to go to waste, giving new life to the walnut that we salvage.
So...What are Urban Walnut Trees?
When it comes to sourcing timber for woodworking projects, many people overlook the potential of salvaged urban walnut trees. These trees, often removed due to construction, storm damage, or landscaping can actually provide a wealth of benefits for both the environment and the craftsman.
By utilizing salvaged urban walnut trees, Alabama Sawyer is contributing to sustainable forestry practices. Instead of cutting down healthy trees in forests, we are repurposing wood that would otherwise go to waste. This helps us to reduce the demand for new timber and minimizes the environmental impact of logging. Using salvaged urban walnut trees also allows Alabama Sawyer to source wood locally, supporting your community and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting lumber long distances.
Commercially grown walnut trees are grown in dedicated orchards with strict standards. These trees have straighter trunks, leaving them with less character and a more uniform appearance. While efficient for mass production, these trees are new growth and less sustainable for the environment.
Every salvaged urban walnut tree has a story to tell. By using this wood in our projects, we are preserving a piece of local history and giving new life to a tree that may have otherwise been discarded. This storytelling value adds depth and meaning to our products, making them truly unique.
From Tree to Timeless Piece
In the end, walnut wood has always been celebrated for its strength, beauty, and history, but the urban walnut we use at Alabama Sawyer takes that legacy a step further. With its warm chocolate-brown tones, striking color variations, and one-of-a-kind grain patterns, each piece of urban salvaged walnut carries both natural character and local history. By transforming trees that would otherwise go to waste into lasting furniture, we honor the beauty of the material while reducing environmental impact. Choosing urban walnut means choosing sustainability, craftsmanship, and a story worth telling in every piece.
