Butternut

Specs

Common Names

Butternut

Scientific Name

Juglans cinerea

Origin

North America

Appearance

Butternut heartwood ranges from light to medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or grayish hue. The sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white. The wood has a coarse texture with straight to slightly irregular grain. It may exhibit knots and other natural characteristics.

Avg. Dried Weight

28 lbs/ft3 (450 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

490 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

7,000 lbf/in2 (48.3 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

930,000 lbf/in2 (6.41 GPa)

Crushing Strength

3,840 lbf/in2 (26.5 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.0%, Tangential: 8.0%, Volumetric: 12.0%, T/R Ratio: 2.0

Durability

Rated as non-durable to perishable; susceptible to decay and insect attacks.

Workability

Butternut wood is generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It has good nailing and screwing properties and glues well. It may require filling for open-pored finishes to achieve a smooth surface. It can be stained, polished, and finished to enhance its natural beauty.