If you’re planning a new look for your kitchen, walnut worktops are a flexible, practical and affordable choice. Adding charm to any kitchen, irrespective of whether or not you plan to change your kitchen units, with the right care and attention, a walnut worktop will last pretty much a lifetime. One of the most appealing things about walnut is the contrast that is apparent in the wood, particularly close up. It is this that really gives it its charm. With the options of American and European walnut worktops available however, how do you make the choice between the two?
There is no getting away from the fact that walnut is one of the most versatile species of hardwood available today. The walnut tree truly is the giant of the forest, standing at up to 100 feet tall with its impressive, broad leaf canopy. Irrespective of which continent you choose, America or Europe, the walnut wood that comes from this tree is renowned for its durability and its dark overall look, sometimes looking almost black. But this wood is a real treat, because close up, it has a real contrast of light and dark, making it particularly appealing. The perfect enhancement to any kitchen style, modern or traditional, a walnut wood worktop is a great investment.
American walnut, as you would expect from the name, comes from America. Hailing from North America, American walnut is often referred to as Black, or North American walnut. Commonly used in all types of furnishing, flooring and worktops, American walnut comes in a broad range of colours, with tan at one end of the scale to almost black at the other. With a tendency to lighten slightly over time, the heartwood of the American walnut tree starts off particularly dark brown in colour and often takes on a more golden hue with time. It is this changing and developing nature of American walnut worktops that makes it such a particularly appealing option.
Commonly described as one of the finest timbers grown in the European continent, European walnut typically hails from England, France or Italy, although it is known to grow in other European countries as well. Again, widely used in all types of furnishings, flooring, worktops and as a decorative finishing on small objects, European walnut is naturally a greyish brown colour, with a really attractive, almost smokey look to it. Recognised in the wood trade as being particularly easy and enjoyable to work with, the grain of European walnut is often slightly wavy, making this species of walnut worktop a really attractive kitchen option.
So how do you choose between American and European walnut worktop options? Each have their pros and cons and each have a slightly different look, so the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and whether or not you feel comfortable buying a product that has travelled half way across the world, or if you’d prefer to choose the option which originates closer to home. No matter which option you choose, your worktop supplier should be able to reassure you that the wood you have selected has come from a sustainable source.
Features | American Walnut | European Walnut |
---|---|---|
Origin | North America | England, France, Italy, and other European countries |
Appearance | Ranges from tan to almost black, starts off dark brown and often takes on a more golden hue over time | Naturally a greyish brown color with an almost smokey look to it, grain often slightly wavy |
Durability | Renowned for its durability | Not specified but is widely used in furnishings, flooring, worktops and decorative finishing |
Change over time | Tends to lighten slightly over time | Not specified |
Sustainability | Should be confirmed by supplier | Should be confirmed by supplier |
Use | Widely used in all types of furnishing, flooring, and worktops | Widely used in all types of furnishings, flooring, worktops and as a decorative finishing on small objects |