Walnut Kitchen Cabinets (Types & Natural Colors)

Walnut is a refined type of wood that is frequently utilized in carving crafts, bespoke craftsmanship, as well as top-quality cabinets. It is a moderately hard and dark-colored wood that keeps up well under usual operations. There is something unique about walnut kitchen cabinets, its bold, rich color exudes warmth and refinement, effectively enhancing any room.

Furthermore, its longevity ensures that you will be able to genuinely love your gorgeous home for many years ahead. This material is an excellent selection for cabinetry that oozes timeless beauty. Their classic style will make your house appear sophisticated and modern.

Whether you choose a classic or more modern home design, this cabinetry will always be an interesting choice. Let us go through some more details about this cabinetry option in this article.

What Are Walnut Cabinets? 

Walnut kitchen cabinets are produced from the said material, which adds great durability and elegance to your home. Truly, purchasing this cabinet type is a wise purchase that will continue to bring value for generations to follow. 

The durability of the material, along with its aesthetic and ageless attractiveness, renders it one of the most desired forms of furniture. These cabinets are useful in more ways than one. They provide numerous benefits to homeowners.

It is among the most long-lasting wooden materials on the marketplace, with higher resistance to degradation than other wood species. They have excellent durability and strength meaning they can have a long lifespan. A high-quality cabinet made from this material will last for many years before it needs to be replaced.

They are visually spectacular due to the wood grain texture and the deep hue of the material. They are also available in a range of finishes, including naturally stained, clear-coated, unfinished, raw, and painted, as well as a variety of patterning, allowing you to try out different designs and combinations.

Furthermore, for several decades, these cabinetry types have indeed been utilized to construct exquisite furnishings with intensely rich colors and a genuine elegance that is difficult to replicate using other woods. The organic oils found in this cabinetry provide excellent natural protection against different harmful elements.

Cabinetry made out of this material is generally more resilient than oak or maple and can be refinished and repainted effortlessly. It has a high scratch and impact resistance, making it difficult to see scratches or cracks from massively sharp objects.

Although it was formerly thought to be quite expensive, this type of wood may reduce your energy expenses as it is environmentally friendly, making it a smart investment that will raise the value of your house. 

These cabinets are also often built from eco-friendly materials, which are beneficial for you. They are particularly advantageous to your lungs since the substance collects very minimal dust, unlike the other cabinet materials.

What Is The Natural Color Of Walnut Wood?

The natural color of this wood can either be flat or golden brown with rich brown to deep dark brown tones. The ‘sapwood,’ or outer part of a walnut log is paler yellow, while the ‘heartwood,’ or inner part has darker shades of brown.

The color can vary greatly as it depends on the type, as well as the drying process employed. For instance, the type that has been kiln-dried to expedite the drying procedure is often flat brown.

This material is darker than most woods and will be darkest when first cut. As time goes by the wood will become lighter with more honey overtones as it ages and dries. Maple and cherry woods on the other hand actually get darker over time.

There are also a lot of cabinet types nowadays that are in different colors as they have already been stained. You can also use finishing oils such as boiled linseed oil, or an oil-based varnish which are two additional options to seal the surface from moisture.

Types Of Walnut Kitchen Cabinets 

These beautiful wood cabinets are available in many styles. It is critical to understand all of your options to select the best type for your needs.

Here is everything you need to consider about the many types to consider.

Natural Walnut

Natural walnut cabinets have a long antiquity dating back to Greek and Roman times. Indeed, this option is very soft to the touch and boasts an inherent richness that you will not find in any place.

Furthermore, this material is an eye-catching option for those in need of rustic kitchen cabinets. They give a classic and authentic charm to the décor and are available in a variety of hues and styles.

They complement rustic décor because they complement rough pines, salvaged wood, marble, stone, and even tiles. They are rustic yet exquisite, will endure a lifetime, and can be handed down to future generations.

A lot of homeowners appreciate these cabinetry types for their luxurious appearance, whether they are bright or dark, large or compact. The reason for this is that numerous wood furniture enthusiasts consider this furniture to be attractive in its sense.

They have not been repainted or finished, which alters their natural aesthetic. Even if oil or varnishing sheen is used, the goal is to protect the surface from pests that might destroy the woodwork.

Solid Walnut

Since they are made from the actual source, solid walnut kitchen cabinets have the best features of the material. Notwithstanding its premium price, this type will make the homeowner feel pleased and comfortable while admiring its appearance.

Aside from that, these cabinet types are not usually handmade, despite the use of genuine resources. There is presently a lot of industrial furniture constructed of this material with stunning designs. You can also create a customized model to perfectly suit your needs.

When searching for this cabinetry on the marketplace, you can usually choose between solid wood and wood veneer walnut. This material is generally more difficult to locate and significantly more pricey, but it is also the superior quality alternative of the two.

It is much more robust, so there is no need to fret about the veneer peeling or flaking over time. This material is an exquisite and high-end element in the kitchen cabinet industry. It can withstand sanding and re-finishing better than its veneered equivalents.

American Walnut

The sapwood of American walnut kitchen cabinets is creamy white and is typically identified by its compact grain and silky surface. The wood is commonly oriented in linear forms, but it sometimes has a curled or wavy grain that gives off a lovely impression.

Furthermore, its unique marks make it an excellent selection for a classic-style kitchen. Options that are ready to be assembled have a very seamless finish and are popular as an accent to add a widely differing hue to light-colored cabinetry.

To acquire excellent American walnut kitchen cabinets, you must use ready-to-assemble kits, which keep the stain and paint very efficient. Indeed, these cabinetry types are still well-known for their stability and strength.

English Walnut

English walnut is widely maintained for its high-quality edible seeds, which are marketed internationally as walnuts. Cabinets are made from dark fine-grained wood, which is comparable to the black variant.

This type of wood is derived from the trees that produce the most safe-to-eat walnuts. French, Circassian, European, and Persian types are some of the names given to it.

These trees can be found all over the eastern part of Europe as well as the western part of Asia. They normally grow up to 115 feet in length and 6 feet in width. However, these wood types are quite pricey. This is one of the reasons why it is commonly seen exclusively in veneer versions.

Moreover, the heartwood of this material can span from light brown to dark cocoa brown, while the sapwood is practically white. It may have streaks of different hues as it will normally depend on the drying procedure.

In addition, a gray, purple, or reddish color is frequent in this material. Take into account that, while it is considered generally robust, it can be vulnerable to pest infestation.

Black Walnut

Black walnut kitchen cabinets are not merely a fashion statement. Such options are more resilient and solid than lighter-colored variants. This wood has a rich hue that combats stains as well as discoloration. When the time comes that you want to modernize your kitchen, these cabinets will deliver an exquisite upgrade that will last for decades.

Furthermore, these cabinets are attractive as they have a luxurious and refined appearance. They are abundant in brown tints, which give them a natural and rustic appeal that is very relaxing and warm while also combining wonderfully with other colors in your kitchen décor.

This type of wood is primarily widespread among furniture makers throughout the United States. It is not only sturdy and uncomplicated to deal with, but it is also dimensionally stable and shock-resistant. One can often find black walnut kitchen countertops and tables due to their shock-resistant surface.

Additionally, this wood is sourced from trees found throughout the eastern region of the United States. They can evolve up to 121 feet long. The heartwood hue of this material, such as that of English walnut, spans from pale yellow to rich cocoa brown. Its sapwood, on the other hand, is often pale yellowish gray to nearly white.

If you want a material that is both strong and resistant to decay, this option would be the way to go. Consider the fact, nevertheless, that this type of wood, similar to its relative, which is the English type, can be prone to pest infestation.

Ultimately, the best part is that this wood is widely obtainable. Imported types are still expensive, although they are often more inexpensive than the local ones. Because of its low cost, many individuals use it to construct pieces of furniture, particularly kitchen cabinets.

The darkness of black walnut is great because it rarely needs stain, and looks absolutely beautiful in its natural color.- interior designer Savannah Phillips.

Light-Colored Walnut

The color of this material is often dark. Nevertheless, certain types have brighter tones, particularly if they are very young. Indeed, for this cabinetry, a light hue might also be an appealing option. Every moment you enjoy your time in the kitchen, this light color will create a vibrant and enjoyable mood.

Light-colored options might be more expensive than other types of cabinetry. These cabinets, on the other hand, are regularly complimented for their adaptability and beauty.

They are an excellent choice for a tiny kitchen with limited natural light because they end up making the space appear larger and brighter. Such cabinets will enhance the inherent charm of any kitchen. Plus, they can be easily paired with other furnishings as their color is very neutral.

Shaker Walnut

Shaker cabinets are distinguished by their circular wooden handles, tapered frames, and gentle curves. These characteristics contribute to the conventional, soft appearance of shaker furniture.

Although maple wood appears to be the primary wood for most shaker furniture elements, numerous modern models utilize walnut as well as other American wood.

This solid type has significant spiraling details that accentuate the wood texture of the material. Its warm dark tone is ideal for achieving a fancy yet inviting appearance that is guaranteed to catch your guests’ attention. Regardless of your kitchen décor style, shaker style cabinet doors made of this wood would undoubtedly provide a dramatic touch to your kitchen.

Cherry stain is used on certain shaker-style cabinetry. These models usually have a soft closing mechanism, dovetail compartments, and full-overlay doors.

These cabinet lines are an excellent combination of efficiency and modern appearance. The numerous moldings and attachments for these cabinets available will match any kitchen style.

Grain Matched Walnut

Grain-matched cabinetry types offer a uniform and continuous patterning from the door-drawer zone to the other door-drawer zone or from cabinet to cabinet. However, it will depend on the orientation of the grain. This is certainly relevant for a striking grain pattern in walnut, which will accentuate a design magnificently.

Furthermore, as demanded in designer-class residences, this type gives a top-quality furniture product. Depending on preferences, the grain can either be vertical grain or horizontal grain, and it is precisely trimmed to achieve the right match. The matching has the effect of spreading the intrinsic qualities of the wood throughout the whole surface.

Walnut Cabinetry Cost

Solid walnut cabinets are significantly costly, and it is usual to pay at least $4,000 to $6,000 for a conventional 10 × 10 kitchen with no additional features.

If you choose prefabricated wood or a veneer, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 for 10 × 10 kitchens, which would save you a considerable amount of money. However, you will have a less durable product and you will be unable to refinish eventually if necessary.

When purchasing this cabinetry, it is critical to determine if you are purchasing genuine (solid) wood or a veneer. Whenever you purchase from a huge home improvement store or merely a larger manufacturer, in particular, you are not always expecting to receive solid wood cabinets. Rather, you will receive a veneer. 

For higher-grade materials, you must work with specialized cabinet manufacturers. To be certain, you must inquire about the cabinetry that you are thinking about buying.

Is Walnut A Good Choice For Cabinets?

Yes, walnut is among the popular and elegant types of kitchen cabinet materials. It is frequently used for bespoke carpentry, such as high-quality kitchen cabinets.

This dark-colored, medium-hard wood can sustain everyday usage. The wood has remarkable grain textures as well as deep swirling. These features make it appealing to homeowners. 

These are just some reasons why it is a good choice. But to sum it up, extreme durability, longevity, attractiveness, value, and availability are what make these cabinets a great choice.

Does Walnut Cabinetry Fade?

Walnut, unlike many other types of wood, will fade over time. The uniform deep or golden brown color will gradually fade away after several years or decades.

When exposed to light, it transforms into honey-like, pastel color hues above its initial dark brown colors. The very same thing might happen to these cabinets.

Sun damage is the primary source of fading. However, the pace of fading over a period is determined by the overall quality of the material. The majority of the fading processes will happen gradually and gently during the first several years, but you will notice a substantial difference in hue within several months. This is due to the UV rays that are inherently present in sunlight. 

This wood type is particularly sensitive to solar energy, which implies it will respond to sunlight. Even if we put these furnishings distant from direct sunlight, humidity, and air will continuously discover microscopic channels in the surface.

Another major source of color transition is the constant exposure to air as a result of the oxidation cycle. Natural woods have a variety of complex compounds that are triggered by oxidation and allow the color of the wood to fade.

What Colors Go Well With Walnut Wood?

Light gray paint normally complements walnut cabinets. Not only that, but off-white, emerald green, grayish-blue, French vanilla, and creamy white tones are excellent selections to brighten up the kitchen with this type of cabinetry. 

Interior designer Sam Sacks shared her thoughts on walnut kitchen cabinets in a design featured on House & Home. She described how walnut cabinets when paired with white Calacatta marble, create an inviting space perfect for entertaining. The warmth of the wood tones and the white marble work together to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen’s decor, creating a balanced and welcoming atmosphere.

When choosing colors, no doubt, it will be very easy as this wood has a neutral tone, which means you can practically select any color you want and it will still go well with the material. This task will be even much easier if you have light-colored cabinets.

However, at some point, all you have to do is experiment with new color combination ideas and let your thinking go daring.

What Floors Go With Walnut?

To make your kitchen look extremely earthy, classic, and elegant, you can choose maple and oak floors as they will complement your walnut cabinets very well.

See more related content in our article about walnut hardwood flooring on this page.