The number one species in the veneer industry for at least the last 50 years.  With a growing region encompassing the Midwest region of the US, Walnut has its own grading system for both veneer and lumber.  Coloration changes from region to region, but is typically grey/brown to red/brown to milk chocolate brown.  Some variegated black growth rings can be found within any of the colors.

Veneers can be flat sliced, half round, quarter sliced and even “rift” sliced.  The long wood, stump wood, crotch wood and burl wood all have significant interest in the veneer market.  Walnut veneer can yield a very plain, elegant looking appearance or it can be wildly figured.

Once the veneer is sliced, it is left to cure for a 24 hour period in order for the coloration to even out and become balanced.  Lumber is typically steamed to bring about this color balance.

Shown here: an example of quartered walnut with a broad cross fire figure