Walnut Kitchen Countertops (Edge Styles & Designs)

Here we share our guide to walnut kitchen countertops including popular edge types, butcher blocks, islands and cost.Wood countertops are not always the first thought when you think of a kitchen, but they are magnificent when they are selected. With so many different woods that can be chose, walnut is a great contender. Walnut countertops include quite a few features that are really important to bot he functionality and the visual appeal of a kitchen.

Kitchen countertops need to be food safe! This is important in any kitchen. Walnut is not only safe for food to touch, but it is also safe for food to be cut on! Most plastic laminate and some natural stones do not allow the option to cut on the surface because they can be easily be scratched.

Walnut wood, if grained in the right direction, can absorb the cuts and you will not notice any scratches after cutting whatever is needed. It is important to wash the countertops just as you would any other cutting board.

Walnut kitchen countertops also can be made into pretty much any layout configuration desired, which is great for anyone installing custom pieces. Walnut is even safe around the sink and used in situations where things may be spilled. Walnut is a very durable and strong product.

Walnut Butcher Block Countertop

A walnut butcher block countertop is an extremely sturdy wood countertop. This surface can be used for many different functions: a table, a cutting board, a countertop, etc.

These are made from straight piece of walnut all glued together to create the thick surface. This enables the surface to be thicker than just a natural piece of walnut.

Black Walnut Kitchen Countertops

Black walnut is quote the hot commodity when it comes to countertops. Black walnut is strong, dense, dark and fine grained. While it sounds like black walnut would be black as the name suggests, it can actually come in multiple difference colors.

Using different parts of the wood changes the color as well. The sapwood of the black walnut is a honey color. The heartwood, though, is the most desired as it is a brown or black color and it can even pass over into purple hues at certain times.

The darkness of black walnut is great because it rarely, if ever, needs stain, it looks absolutely beautiful in its natural color. This also leaves a great fire grain that work great for countertops, and can be showcased following some of the styles listed and described later.

Styles of Wood Countertops

Live edge walnut countertop: Live edge countertops have an organic shape. The edge of the countertops are untouched by saws and left natural. This gives an extremely natural look to the countertop.

Flat Grain Walnut Countertops

Flat grain best shows off the grain of the wood on the top of the counter. This is often known as a wide plank style, or face grain style of countertops.

These are susceptible to marking when used as a cutting board, so are less useful in working kitchens. They are most popular for their visual appearance.

End Grain Walnut Countertop

End grain is a style of countertop that best when used to prepare food. It is commonly used in butcher block countertops. This style countertop is typically made from many small blocks of wood and arrange so the edges are facing out.

This creates an extremely strong surface and is another type used well in butcher block countertops as the knives slide into the grain versus against it causing markings. This is one of the most expensive options of countertop styles.

Edge Grain Walnut Countertop

The edge grain countertops are best for surface counters. These must be at a minimum one inch thick. This is easy for walnut as it can be up to 3 inches thick.

These are strong, stable and typically the least expensive style countertops. They tend to be very popular in countertop selections. See more picture of kitchens with white cabinets and dark countertops here.

Walnut Island Countertop

Walnut is a great choice for a kitchen island countertop for many reasons.

First, walnut is a beautiful wood with a great grain. Choosing any of the above listed styles is sure to add an iconic aesthetic to the design. 

With certain edge grains or even a live edge, guests at the island can enjoy the beauty of the countertop while the working surface can have a less artistic, and more durable finished edge. Islands are great because they are multi functional.

Second, Walnut wood countertops are super durable! This is great for entertaining guests at an island because it is durable, and you can also impress them by chopping your veggies right on the countertop in front of them. This way, the island is being used to its fullest on both sides.

Third, the price is reasonable! Without spending too much money, but also not looking like you skimped out and bought the cheap stuff, walnut can liven up the space.

The island is going to be the focal point and is typically pretty large, so price is an important factor. More pricing information is below. Visit this page for more kitchens with reclaimed wood islands.

Walnut Countertop Prices

Walnut wood countertops are a pretty middle of the road price, not too expensive, not too cheap. Typically prices for walnut wood countertops are about $100 to $125 per square foot.

Based on the thickness that price could vary. Walnut is a pretty dense wood, which enables it to get the ever desired 2 5/8 inch thickness. This gives the best visual of the grain and the makes it thick enough to be useful as a countertop surface.

When it comes to wood countertops and pricing it is important to add in extra costs for things like: edging, staining, or sealing, not to mention installation and upkeep.

Edging typically adds an extra $10 per square foot of countertop. Staining usually adds an extra $20 per square foot. Luckily, walnut is typically really beautiful and may not need any staining to complete the project. Sealing, install and upkeep can vary from size and type.

Check with local home improvement shops or kitchen experts for exact prices in your regions. Custom shapes, manufacturing and sizes can also increase the price. For more related designs check out our gallery of shiplap kitchen ideas.