Unique Oregon black walnut trees in the temperate climate of the Willamette Valley grow large and healthy. Trees attaining five feet in diameter are not unusual and yield wide, high grade, quality lumber. Our iron rich soils and plentiful rain results in lumber of exceptional color, with frequent black and orange contrasts to the usual chocolate walnut tones. With the lack of frequent ice storms, high winds, and virtually no lightening, environmental tree damage is minimal.
To utilize the unique qualities of Oregon black walnut, we have been specializing in custom milling for the past 32 plus years and have specialized in thick wide lumber. Our inventory is extensive, but if we do not have what you need in stock, we maintain a log deck for custom cutting to meet your needs. Most wood is air dried to maintain quality although further kiln drying is available for 4/4 through 8/4 lumber. No steaming is done to darken sap wood.
LUMBER is normally milled full dimension to allow for shrinkage. Most lumber is six inches wide or wider. Grading is done on the best side according to National Hardwood Association guidelines… 1 and 2 Common must yield 66 2/3% clear cutting from one face. Firsts and Seconds: must yield 83 2/3% clear-cutting from one face. Mill Run: random grades as log yields. Clears: exceptional boards which are free of significant defects or large knots.
DRYING LUMBER: We have had several inquiries regarding our walnut drying procedure. We predry by air drying on stickers 1 year per inch thickness and then dehumidifier kiln dry all lumber 8/4 and thinner. Heavier stock is air dried only since quality is better maintained without the additional stress of kiln drying especially in highly figured stock, or stock for resawing.
GRADING: Grading is always difficult for the inexperienced woodworker to understand. If you would like to view a copy of a good lumber grading article written for casual hardwood buyers, we have provided one.
