The sapwood of walnut is creamy white, while the heartwood is light brown to dark chocolate brown, occasionally with a purplish cast and darker streaks. Walnut is usually supplied steamed, which darkens the sapwood, but a very unique look can also be achieved by leaving it natural. The wood is generally straight-grained, but sometimes with a wavy or curly grain that produces an attractive and decorative figure. The dark heartwood will lighten in colour as it ages over time with exposure to UV light.
