I figured I would post this while I'm still working on that hickory so I'll have some guidelines before I start the walnut. I really really loved the black walnut look so I found a piece with pretty straight grain (left side) that's got the straight grain 6 ft x 2.5 in x 5/4 in thick. I looked up some stuff but was still unsure of where to start with this wood. I really don;t want to mess this one up because I love the color and how it would turn out!