notenhout

Notenhout is the wood from trees that produce edible nuts, with walnut wood being the most common reference in Dutch markets. While the term can be used for various nut species, in practice notenhout usually denotes walnut wood, especially from Juglans regia (Persian or English walnut) and Juglans nigra (black walnut) in North America. The heartwood ranges from pale to dark chocolate brown, often with a warm reddish hue, while the sapwood is lighter. The grain is typically straight but can display attractive figure such as curl or burr in certain cuts. Notenhout is a hard, heavy wood with good shock resistance and high bending strength. It machines well, takes finishes smoothly, glues readily, and holds screws well.

Notenhout is prized for high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneers, decorative turned objects, and musical instruments. Its natural beauty makes it a popular veneer wood for premium interiors. The wood is relatively stable when properly dried but can patinate and change color with exposure to light and air; it responds well to oils, waxes, and varnishes.

Sourcing and sustainability: Walnut forests are cultivated in several regions, and much notenhout sold in Europe is imported. Sustainability considerations are common in the trade, with buyers favoring certified sources (FSC or PEFC) to ensure responsible harvesting. Availability and price depend on grade, size, and the presence of figured wood such as burl or quilted patterns.

Notenhout thus refers broadly to nut-bearing tree wood, but in practice its usage most often centers on walnut wood for its aesthetic and mechanical properties.