Butternut is naturally compared to its more valuable relative the American Black Walnut. It is often referred to as “white walnut” because its wood is light in color. It has a warm buttery tan color that is very appealing. Its most distinctive feature is its wonderful natural luster that becomes even more satin-like when polished.

Butternut darkens to a rich hue with exposure to air and age. It is only a moderately hard wood and not overly strong but is very stable and does not warp. Also, it is very resistant to insects and decay.

Besides its inherent beauty of color and sheen butternut is very easy and rewarding to work with hand tools. It saws beautifully and carves like butter. It glues exceptionally well and finishes to a deep rich satin luster.