Walnut Cabinets

Walnut ranges from a pale brown to a dark chocolate brown, with darker streaks running through it. The grain is mostly straight, with a medium texture and a soft sheen of its own.

The pale sapwood near the edge of the board looks nothing like the dark heartwood. Some people like the contrast, some want every door to match, so it is worth deciding before the boards are cut.

Walnut is almost always finished clear, because the color is the reason to choose it. It can be stained, but it rarely is. A clear coat brings out the depth of the grain and protects it from everyday wear.

Walnut is a medium-hard wood. It is softer than white oak or maple, so it can dent with a hard knock, but it holds up well in cabinetry with a quality finish.

Walnut is a premium domestic hardwood and the most expensive wood on our list. A common way to use it is on one feature, such as the island or a bar, with painted or white oak cabinets around it.

Wipe spills as they happen, clean with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cotton cloth. Use a mild detergent on stubborn marks. Never leave water sitting around the sink or dishwasher.