Black Walnut - Woodworking Talk

JMendez035 · 06-03-2008, 05:22 PM

I found online a guy selling some black walnut... I asked him how much it would be if i wanted to buy 100 bf of it. He responded with $3.50 a bf. i have never bought black walnut before is that worth it?

Boardman · 06-03-2008, 05:51 PM

I'd say it's not a bad price but there's a lot of variables, such as the quality and size of the boards, and where you're located. I'm guessing it's not bad for New Jersey. In prime walnut territory like Iowa it wouldn't be so hot a deal. Here in MN I get not prime color walnut at wholesale price level from a major lumberyard at $3, but I can pick the boards I want. If it were from someone with their own mill I'd expect a lower price. Air dried versus kile dried, do you have to pay freight to get it home, etc. etc....lots of variables.

Best thing is to compare it to what else you could buy locally.

JMendez035 · 06-03-2008, 06:14 PM

currently i am in rochester, ny and thats where this guy is. his ad online posts as:

Black Walnut Lumber. dried indoors, moisture tests in 10-14 range.
Various widths 5" to 18", mostly 4/4, some 5/4, some 8/4.

i am returning to jersey in like a week so i would put the wood in my tuck to get it home

Boardman · 06-03-2008, 06:32 PM

Now THAT sounds good - it's air dried and 18" widths are not very common, and the price for 5/4 and 8/4 is always higher than 4/4. Yeah, I'd be all over that one!

JMendez035 · 06-03-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boardman

Now THAT sounds good - it's air dried and 18" widths are not very common, and the price for 5/4 and 8/4 is always higher than 4/4. Yeah, I'd be all over that one!

well this guy is actually selling about 850 bf he said. i wish i had the room for all that wood but he is willing to sell me 100 bf

**Daren** · 06-03-2008, 07:38 PM

If it looks good (no major defect) $3.50 is what I get for what we call "mill run", a mix of good and so-so under 10"....but stuff 18" wide is $8.00 bft.

Gerry KIERNAN · 06-03-2008, 08:50 PM

If you went to the average lumber store you would pay a premium for black walnut. If the lumber looks good I would say $3.50 per board foot is pretty reasonable.
This would be particularly true if the guy allows you to select the boards you want. Some people will not.

Gerry

Boardman · 06-04-2008, 09:29 AM

Jeez....MN is one of the shootiest (sp) states for lumber deals like that.

850bf makes me think there may also be the possibility of some sequential cut (bookmatched) lumber in there.