General Lumber Information

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 walnut 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 over 32 years (since 1976) and have specialized in thick wide walnut lumber and large walnut slabs. Our walnut lumber 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 walnut lumber 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.

WALNUT 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 walnut boards which are free of significant defects or large knots.

DRYING LUMBER: We have had several inquiries regarding our walnut board drying procedure. We predry by air drying walnut boards on stickers 1 year per inch thickness and then dehumidifier kiln dry all walnut lumber 8/4 and thinner. Heavier walnut wood stock is air dried only since quality is better maintained without the additional stress of kiln drying especially in highly figured walnut stock, or walnut 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, click here.