Butternut Wood Guide 2026
Juglans cinerea
Typically described as lightweight carving wood
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 31 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Common uses include Furniture, Carving, Paneling
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Moderate to coarse and uniform.
Workability: Excellent workability with both hand and power tools.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Stains and finishes well but is prone to blotchiness if not sealed properly.
Color change: Light brown color remains relatively stable after exposure to light.
Insect resistance: Low resistance to decay and insects.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Butternut. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard. | Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard. | Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard. | Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard. | Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are commonly found.
Availability notes: Becoming increasingly scarce and primarily sold as small, air-dried lumber.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Light brown; darkens
Grain: Straight; coarse texture
Common Uses
- Furniture
- Carving
- Paneling
- Millwork
Key Characteristics
Also known as: White Walnut
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 490 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Butternut is unavailable or over budget.
- Black Walnut
- Basswood410 lbf Janka
- Poplar540 lbf Janka
Related Species
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