Is Walnut Toxic?
Walnut knowledge overcomes Walnut fear in this informative and humorous discussion. June 8, 2008
Question
I am looking for 12/4 walnut for countertops. Does anyone have a good source? I am in middle TN.
Forum Responses
(Cabinmaking Forum)
From contributor P:
Middle Tennessee Lumber can't get you any?
From contributor S:
Walnut isn't a good choice - it's toxic to many people and animals.
From contributor P:
I've yet to understand this fear of walnut. There are millions and millions of walnut bowls and cutting boards in use and people aren't falling over dead. Maybe Dr. Gene could explain this.
From contributor D:
Until Dr Gene chimes in, I'll say that walnut is not toxic (or any more toxic than any other wood). The living tree puts out a compound at its roots that inhibits the growth of other plants within its root zone (an excellent survival strategy). The same or similar chemicals in sawdust used for bedding can cause a foot ailment in horses, so walnut should not be used for horse bedding. However, it is fine for other animals, and will make decent garden mulch once it has aged, and the chemicals leach out that cause the plant inhibition.
Countertops, cutting boards, bowls, etc. do not present a problem for human consumption. I would be far more worried about the food than the wood. In fact, it is rumored that people even eat the nuts from walnut trees!
The last few issues (Feb, Mar, April) of Woodwork Magazine have a (somewhat weird) dialog in the Letters section between woodworkers that carefully explain the no toxicity position and a man in Hungary that is convinced we will all soon drop dead from ingesting minute amounts of wood, glue and finish. He is definitely in the far, far minority.
From contributor R:
I believe the tannins in walnut will help prevent bacteria growth as well, making it a wood of choice for counters and cutting boards. Oh, and call Summers Lumber (La Verne). If they don't have it they can lead you to someone who will. Will 8/4 with a beefy edge not work?
From Professor Gene Wengert, Sawing and Drying Forum technical advisor:
I love black walnut nuts for sure. It is well to remember that some people are allergic to wood dust, tannic acid, etc., and so may incorrectly relate or report a reaction as being specific to walnut.
AI enhanced answer (added Jan 15, 2025):Walnut wood itself is not considered toxic, but there are some considerations to keep in mind:
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Juglone: Black walnut trees produce a chemical called juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants and potentially irritating to humans. However, once the wood is properly dried and processed, the levels of juglone are significantly reduced, making it generally safe for woodworking.
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Dust: Like many woods, walnut dust can cause respiratory issues if inhaled in large quantities. It's advisable to use dust collection systems and wear appropriate respiratory protection when sanding or cutting walnut.
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Skin Contact: Some individuals might experience skin irritation or dermatitis from handling fresh walnut wood due to its natural oils. Gloves can mitigate this risk.
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Allergies: There's a small risk of allergic reactions, but this is relatively rare with walnut compared to other woods like rosewood or teak.
In summary, while walnut wood isn't inherently toxic, precautions should be taken to manage dust and potential skin contact, especially with fresh wood. Properly dried and finished walnut is safe for use in furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects.
