How wide should the cap of a half wall be? What is a good wood to use?

Question

I want the color to be a dark walnut wood color. The pieces of wood I have seen either don't stain well or half rough unfinished edges.

Answer 1

The width is usually wide enough to cover the wall plus the width of any trim plus about 1/2" beyond.

You will be hard pressed to find a piece of wood that is smooth enough on the edges to finish without sanding to remove machine marks and marks made during handling and transportation. I have never purchased any wood that didn't require sanding prior to finishing, even pieces sold as "presanded".

Have fun, its a great project.

Answer 2

8 inches cherry wood