A walnut kitchen uses walnut, a rich, dark hardwood with chocolate-brown tones and a beautiful flowing grain, for the cabinets, the worktops or both. It's one of the most luxurious timbers you can choose, and it's usually used as a feature: a walnut island, walnut worktops or walnut doors paired with painted units. Walnut costs more than oak or pine, but little else gives a kitchen the same depth and warmth.
At Oak & Pine by Design, we build kitchens and furniture in the timber of your choice, including walnut, in our Honley workshop in West Yorkshire. Here's how to use walnut well, and what to expect.
Why choose walnut for a kitchen?
- Rich colour: deep browns with hints of purple and gold that deepen with age
- Stunning grain: every board is different, so no two kitchens look the same
- Hard-wearing: a dense, durable hardwood that's well suited to cabinetry
- Works with modern and classic: sleek in a contemporary kitchen, elegant in a period one
- Warmth: it softens stone, painted units and metal finishes
Walnut kitchen cabinets
A full walnut kitchen makes a bold, luxurious statement. It suits large, bright rooms best, because a lot of dark timber can make a small kitchen feel heavy. Walnut cabinets look particularly good with a simple door style, such as Shaker or flat panels, that lets the grain speak for itself.
Walnut also makes beautiful joinery beyond the kitchen. Our client Mike Stoddard had nine interior doors and a set of cloakroom cupboard doors made in walnut: "The doors were manufactured from high quality walnut wood. The quality of the finished doors was excellent."
Walnut worktops
Walnut worktops are the most popular way to bring walnut into a kitchen. They look superb on:
- A painted kitchen in cream, sage, navy or grey
- A kitchen island as a warm contrast to stone worktops elsewhere
- A breakfast bar or coffee station
Like all solid wood worktops, walnut needs regular oiling and care around the sink, but marks and scratches can be sanded out and re-oiled rather than replaced.
See real walnut next to oak and painted timber. Visit our Honley showroom.
Walnut kitchen ideas
- Walnut island, painted runs: the most popular way to use walnut
- Walnut and cream: warm, classic and elegant
- Walnut and deep green: rich and moody, lovely with brass handles
- Walnut open shelves against pale walls
- Walnut with white stone for a crisp, modern contrast
- Walnut interiors: walnut-lined drawers or a walnut larder interior as a hidden luxury
How much does a walnut kitchen cost?
Walnut is one of the more expensive kitchen timbers, so a full walnut kitchen costs more than an equivalent in oak or pine. Using walnut as a feature, on an island, worktop or dresser, gives you the look for a smaller share of the budget. We price every kitchen individually after seeing your room, and we're happy to show you options using walnut in different ways.
Walnut vs oak: which is better?
| Walnut | Oak | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Dark, rich brown | Light to mid golden |
| Grain | Flowing, often dramatic | Strong, open grain |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Feature pieces, luxury kitchens | Whole kitchens, heirloom style |
You don't have to choose one. An oak kitchen with walnut accents, or a hand-painted kitchen with a walnut island, gives you the best of both.
Frequently asked questions
Is walnut good for kitchen cabinets?
Yes. It's a dense, durable hardwood that's well suited to cabinetry, with a rich colour that improves with age.
Are walnut worktops practical?
Yes, with care. Oil them regularly, wipe up water promptly around the sink, and sand and re-oil any marks.
Does walnut darken or lighten over time?
Walnut's colour mellows and can take on warmer, golden tones with exposure to light over time.
Can you make a walnut kitchen to order?
Yes. We build kitchens and furniture in the timber of your choice, including walnut.
Your walnut kitchen, made by hand
Walnut deserves careful craftsmanship: well-chosen boards, matched grain and a hand-applied finish. Every piece we make is built by hand in our Honley workshop under master craftsman Daniel Fitzpatrick, a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen. Explore our handmade kitchen ranges.
Visit us at Unit 3, Crossley Mills, Honley, HD9 6PL. Your first consultation is free.
Book a showroom visit or call 01484 666 333.