OAK AND WALNUT
We use wood in almost every product we create here at Crow Works. To us, wood is more than a material; it is an integral part of who we are, and we are continuously inspired by the beauty of this natural material. As the years pass, we continue to learn about wood and the trees it comes from. We are humbled by the depth and rich history of the material. From sustainable harvesting to how to read a board, there’s so much to discover. Come along with us as we dive into the ins and outs of the most diverse product in the natural world.
There are hundreds of species of wood to choose from, but to us, American White Oak and American Black Walnut are perfect. So, what makes them so special?
Did you know?
The White Oak tree seen in the movie The Shawshank Redemption, known as the “Tree of Hope,” was estimated to be more than 200 years old when it fell. The tree is seen during the last ten minutes of the movie. As the film gained fame, the tree became popular as well and attracted tens of thousands of movie fans and tourists every year.
American Black Walnut
Similar to White Oak, American Black Walnut, or Juglans nigra, is both beautiful and strong. Known for its use in furniture, mus
ical instruments, and even sports equipment, Black Walnut is a durable material excellent for a range of applications.The heartwood, located in the center of the tree, is even resistant to decay. Similarly to White Oak, Black Walnut can be found in the central and eastern parts of the US. We also source our Black Walnut regionally. Although called Black Walnut, the heartwood of the tree can vary from a light greyish-brown to a purplish color while the sapwood (younger, outer layers of the tree) can be white to yellowish-brown. Burrs (knots and irregular growths on the tree) create stunning curls and wavy designs in the grain. Black Walnut takes finish beautifully and in turn, has a rich color. With a notable connection to mid-century modern furniture, this material lends a timeless, classic feel to each piece we make.
Did you know?
Most parts of a Black Walnut tree, including leaves, stems, and fruit husks, have a very distinct spicy odor. Only the walnut fruits themselves don’t have this unique characteristic!
