Peruvian Walnut vs. Dark Walnut: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever shopped for walnut wood, you’ve probably noticed that “dark walnut” can mean different things to different people. At Legacy Shop Supply, we sell three main types: Caribbean walnut, American black walnut, and Peruvian walnut.

Today, we’re focusing on dark walnut and Peruvian walnut, because these two are often confused — yet they’re quite different.

Domestic vs. Exotic Origins

Peruvian walnut is an exotic hardwood sourced from South America. Dark walnut, on the other hand, is a domestic species found right here in the United States.

Color and Grain Differences

When most people ask for “dark walnut,” they’re often imagining a deep, rich, and uniform brown — perfect for tabletops, furniture, and other statement pieces.

Here’s the catch:

• Dark walnut actually has an almost purplish hue and is noticeably lighter than many expect. Its grain is less uniform, with swirls, streaks, and patches of lighter sapwood. This variation is beautiful in its own right, adding character and showcasing the natural wood grain.

• Peruvian walnut, by contrast, offers a consistent, deeper brown tone with a more uniform grain pattern — ideal if you want that classic, rich walnut look without as much variation.

Which Should You Choose?

If your goal is a warm, consistent brown for a refined finish, Peruvian walnut might be the better choice. But if you love seeing more variation and natural grain patterns, dark walnut offers that rustic, organic charm.

Learn More and Shop Walnut Blanks

To explore these walnut species — along with many other domestic and exotic hardwoods — browse through our site -  Legacy Shop Supply. We stock a wide variety of wood blanks in the sizes you need for your next woodworking project.