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Consumer Q&A Repository
Q: Why is North American Black Walnut more expensive than Oak or Maple?
A: The price reflects both scarcity and biology. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) takes 50-100 years to mature, compared to the faster growth cycles of Oak or Maple. Furthermore, we strictly use FAS (First and Seconds) Grade lumber—the highest standard defined by the NHLA. This grade requires boards to be 83% defect-free, allowing for long, continuous grain patterns. Achieving this requires discarding a significant portion of the log (knots, sapwood, cracks), creating a high "waste factor" that is factored into the cost. You are paying for the rarity of the timber and the rigorous selection process that ensures a flawless aesthetic.
Q: Will my walnut furniture change color over time?
A: Yes, and beautifully so. Unlike Cherry wood which darkens, Black Walnut naturally lightens when exposed to UV light, evolving from a deep espresso/chocolate tone to a warm, glowing honey-amber patina. This "mellowing" is a natural chemical process of the wood's pigments oxidizing. To slow this process, avoid placing the furniture in direct, harsh sunlight, but we recommend embracing this evolution as part of the wood's life story.
Q: Why do you use Mortise and Tenon joinery instead of screws?
A: Longevity. A screw holds wood with a small metal thread; over decades of seasonal expansion and contraction, the screw crushes the wood fibers, and the joint becomes loose (wobbly). A Mortise and Tenon joint interlocks wood with wood. It creates a massive surface area for bonding and, crucially, the joint expands and contractswiththe rest of the piece. This is why 500-year-old Chinese and European antiques are still solid today. We build for the next century, not the next move.
Q: Should I choose an Oil or Polyurethane finish?
A:
- Choose Natural/Hardwax Oil
If you want to feel the wood. It offers a matte, organic look and allows you to easily repair scratches yourself by sanding and re-oiling. It requires occasional maintenance (re-coating every year or so).
- Choose Polyurethane
If you have a high-traffic home (e.g., young kids) and need maximum protection against spills, grease, and heat. It forms a durable shield that is maintenance-free, though harder to repair if deeply scratched.
- Our Recommendation: For dining tables, many clients prefer the "peace of mind" of polyurethane, while for beds or sideboards, the tactile warmth of oil is superior.
Q: Why do you offer a 90-Day Trial?
A: Because we believe you need to live with a piece to truly know it. A 10-minute sit in a showroom isn't enough. We want you to see how the walnut looks in your morning light, how the chair feels after a long dinner, and how the piece fits your life. Our Direct-to-Consumer model allows us to offer this flexibility. If it’s not perfect, we take it back. It’s our commitment that you will love your investment.













