WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Butternut
Juglans cinerea
Also known as: White Walnut, Oil Nut
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 490 lbf (2,180 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 450 kg/m³ (28 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.38
- Type
- Temperate hardwood
- Grain
- Usually straight, occasionally wavy
- Texture
- Medium to coarse
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack
- Region
- North America
- Sustainability
- Caution — Threatened by butternut canker disease, limited availability
Overview
Butternut is a soft, light North American hardwood often called White Walnut for its lighter color than black walnut. Valued for its ease of carving and light weight, it has been used for furniture and carving since colonial times. The species is now threatened by butternut canker disease, making it increasingly rare.
The heartwood is light tan to medium brown with pale cream sapwood. It has a medium to coarse texture with typically straight grain. Dried weight averages 450 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 490 lbf, making it one of the softest North American hardwoods.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low - soft wood, easy on tools
Gluing
Excellent gluing properties
Finishing
Takes stains and finishes well, can darken with age
Steam Bending
Good steam bending characteristics
Scent
Mild, pleasant walnut-like aroma when worked
Assessment
Strengths
- Light weight
- Easy to work
- Excellent carving wood
- Takes finishes well
Weaknesses
- Low durability
- Susceptible to canker disease
- Soft for a hardwood
Common Uses
Carving · Furniture · Millwork · Interior trim · Gunstocks