Butternut

2 x 2 x 6

Butternut – Lightweight, Warm-Toned Hardwood with Excellent Carving Quality & Easy Workability

Butternut (Juglans cinerea), often called “White Walnut,” is a beloved North American hardwood known for its soft, warm color, light weight, and exceptionally easy workability. With its golden tan to light brown tone and gentle, straight grain, Butternut is a favorite among carvers, turners, furniture makers, and craft artisans seeking a wood that is both beautiful and user-friendly.

⭐ Key Features of Butternut

Warm, Natural Color – Soft golden-tan to light brown with a walnut-like appearance.

Lightweight & Easy to Shape – Excellent for beginners and seasoned artisans alike.

Soft Grain Structure – Ideal for carving, routing, and detailed shaping.

Smooth, Velvety Texture – Finishes beautifully with oil, wax, or light film coatings.

Workability Loved by Woodcarvers – Cuts cleanly with hand or power tools.

 Technical DetailsSpecies: Juglans cinerea

Janka Hardness: ~490 lbf (soft; extremely easy to carve)

Density: ~28 lbs/ft³ (very lightweight)

Workability:

Carving: ★★★★★ (one of the best carving woods available)

Turning: ★★★★☆ (great for smooth, light projects)

Machining: ★★★★★ (very forgiving; works well with hand tools)

Sanding/Finishing: ★★★★★ (takes oil and wax beautifully)

Stability: ★★★★☆ (good movement resistance when properly dried)

Durability: Moderate — recommended for indoor projects

Rarity: Increasing — due to Butternut canker disease impacting supply

Popular Uses for Butternut

Wood carving & sculptural work

Pen blanks and lightweight turning

Bowls, boxes & decorative items

Furniture components & paneling

Mantels, trim & architectural details

Relief carving, hand tools & craft items

Acoustic instrument parts and soundboards

Why Woodworkers Choose Butternut

Butternut is valued for being one of the easiest hardwoods to work with, offering a perfect combination of warmth, beauty, and forgiving carving characteristics. Its soft texture allows for smooth cuts and graceful details, making it ideal for both intricate carvings and elegant turned pieces. Because Butternut is becoming less common in the market, high-quality stock is increasingly appreciated by artisans.

If you're looking for a lightweight hardwood with exceptional carving quality and natural warmth, Butternut is an outstanding choice.