Butternut
Also known as White Walnut, Juglans cinerea.
Juglans cinerea (Juglandaceae) · Eastern North America
Butternut is walnut's soft, sunny cousin — a light golden-brown hardwood that carves like butter, which is exactly how many people use it. Its low density and even grain make it a go-to for relief carving, rustic furniture, and warm-toned interior millwork.
It is soft enough to dent, so it belongs in projects that won't take a beating, but that same softness makes it forgiving and fast to work by hand. Genuine butternut has become harder to find as the trees have thinned, so availability comes and goes — if you have a project in mind, check with us on current stock.
Appearance
Color. Light tan to pale golden-brown, resembling a bleached walnut.
Grain. Straight and coarse.
Texture. Coarse texture with visible growth rings.
Working & finishing
Very easy to work and a favorite of carvers thanks to its softness and even grain. Glues and finishes well; a little care keeps the soft surface crisp.
Drying. Dries easily with little degrade.
Durability
Moderately durable but soft and easily dented — an interior and decorative wood.
Common uses
Looking for Butternut?
We stock and mill a wide range of species and grades. Tell us your sizes and we'll confirm availability and pricing — usually within one business day.