American Walnut has a fine, straight grain. It’s characterized by uncommonly deep, rich colors ranging from beige to almost white in the sapwood and light to chocolate brown in the heartwood. Walnut undergoes a moderate change in color over time, turning a lighter, more even golden brown. 

The Authentic grade’s rich appearance and moderate contrasts reflect the species’ wide range of natural colors, from the beige of the sapwood to chocolate brown. Pronounced variation between boards. Sound knots and knots filled with wood putty (including slight openings or depressions) are accepted without limitation. Openings in and around knots are accepted. Mineral streaks are accepted without limitation. Surface splits and checks and end splits are accepted in this grade. Splits filled with wood putty are accepted. Varnish cracks around character marks are accepted in this grade. The beige coloration of the sapwood is allowed without limitation.