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Butternut

Kiln-dried woods & exotics

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

Carvingfurnitureinterior millworkpanelingveneerdecorative work

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.

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Butternut reviews

★★★★★5.0· 1 review
★★★★★
I have a custom Cabinetry and Woodworking shop in Clermont NY. I always have a need for both exotic hardwoods and local woods. I have been going to Ghent Wood Products for over 10 years now. They have always been there for me. "I need this and this next week" they have it for me. When I need milling that requires more than my equipment can handle I just call Tom or Marie and they say "sure we can handle that". I have recommended them to all of the contractors I work with (mostly from Dutchess County) and we all use Ghent Wood Products because they're great. They are all just good people working together with us like a team.
Ross Brown · Romber Works
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