Walnut Benches & Beam Seating

If you love heritage design, a walnut bench in the home or office makes a simple but stylish statement. Walnut is a reliably sturdy hardwood that retains its resilience and finish for years. It's also relatively easy to maintain, allowing the entire staff or household to enjoy the piece well after its initial purchase.

Important Details About Walnut and Walnut Benches
Walnut is native to the U.S. and is still in very high supply in the central part of the country. It typically has a rich brown color but can be treated or stained to have a darker appearance. It is a popular alternative for furniture fabrication because it is soft enough to be manipulated for decorative purposes but tough enough to withstand daily use in busy households and public areas like restaurants, hotels, and bars.

Walnut is a common choice for creating statement pieces like fireplace mantels, bar tops, and walnut benches. All-wood booths in the kitchen or dining area feel inviting and comfortable. It's also easy to sponge off wood benches after mealtime, further making walnut an excellent option for households with small children.

How to Select the Right Walnut Bench
A solid entryway bench has a traditional design and hard-wearing construction. Entryway benches turn a mudroom or front door vestibule into a fast and cozy changing area for guests who don't want to track in mud or dirt. Storage entryway benches have hinged lids or cubbies to stash winter scarves, hats, or book bags that you often grab on the way out. Benches with upholstered tops ensure greater comfort. Stain-treated microfiber upholstery is easy to maintain and a smart choice for hectic offices or dining areas.

How Do You Differentiate Between Solid Walnut or Walnut Veneer?
Furniture and benches made from solid walnut should be considered an investment piece. High-quality walnut veneer looks like the real thing but is typically more cost-effective. Check the manufacturer details to confirm the fabrication. Pure walnut veneer also lasts a long time and could be a better selection for households who like the appearance of all-wood furniture, but are shopping on a strict budget.

What Are Common Styles of Walnut Benches?
Walnut beam seating often features a thick and relatively untreated piece of wood to create a rustic and unique piece for a farmhouse style bench. These benches have a handcrafted appearance and are sometimes finished with wood oils for the most natural appearance possible. Walnut is also a popular base for midcentury modern pieces and serves as a practical and fashionable foundation for hallway and telephone benches.

Are Walnut Benches Safe for Outdoor Use?
While wooden benches are naturally widely used in gardens and public spaces, pure walnut is generally not recommended for use outside. Pure walnut and walnut veneer furniture is appropriate for indoor use only. For individuals and professional designers who love the rich, dark appearance of walnut, but need an option for outdoor use, unstained cedar or teakwood is a preferable option. Many all-wood benches suited for outdoors can be treated with stain to achieve a darker brown, walnut-like exterior. Pine is also commonly used for outdoor benches and can also be treated to resemble walnut.