It’s no secret that the McIlvain family has a long history in the U.S. lumber industry that extends back to before our country was even a nation. But did you know that throughout the Colonial era, Walnut lumber was also exported? British and European artisans were quick to notice this native species’ distinctively appealing hue and texture. For interior uses like cabinets furnishings, Walnut wood quickly acquired favor. It swiftly replaced Mahogany as the preferred species for individuals looking for a lumber species with a darker hue, because it was so widely available. American Black Walnut is still included in our inventory now.
Walnut Characteristics
Given the diversity of other species, the chocolate-colored heartwood of the Black Walnut stands out. Contrasting with the majority of other domestic species, such Oak and Maple, is its rich, dark hue. Though it occasionally includes light creams and even purples, Walnut can naturally display a variety of colors when it is freshly milled. Because of this, steamed Walnut is preferred to unsteamed Walnut by the majority of woodworkers. Walnut is highly regarded for its mellow, deep brown hue, which is made possible by the steaming process, which also helps to smooth out color variation. Walnut’s hue lightens with age, enabling it to blend in with other species of lumber.
Walnut lumber is praised by woodworkers worldwide for its ability to hold details effectively in addition to its overall appearance. Excellent toughness and tool-friendliness characterize Walnut wood. These qualities make it simple to process and enable the creation of panels, doors, and furniture.
Walnut Inventory
At J. Gibson McIlvain, we buy Black Walnut from mills located all along the Ohio River Valley. From these mills, we can obtain a huge range of exquisite Walnut boards in many different sizes, including planks as broad as 12″. Today’s Walnut trees don’t typically have as much potential for making long, wide, clear boards because of the way they develop. Walnut is evaluated differently from other domestic species for this reason.
The majority of our stock of Walnut lumber is made up of steamed Walnut because there is such a high demand for it.
Walnut Prominence
Walnut is definitely not a “bargain” right now in terms of pricing. However, due to the limited supply and continued popularity of the product, there is a conflict between supply and demand. Because of this, Walnut might cost more than Cherry or even certain exotic kinds of wood. Walnut hardwood can be used in many contemporary stylish projects, because today’s décor trends are all about visual drama that is achieved by combining light and dark extremes without compromising warmth.
We can assist you in finding and milling high-quality Walnut lumber for your upcoming project in the quantities and requirements that it needs, whether you’re considering Black Walnut lumber for flooring, cabinetry, trim, furniture, or something completely out of the ordinary.
J. Gibson McIlvain Company
Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.
As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.
For more information on J. Gibson McIlvain’s lumber products and services, call Monday-Friday toll free (800) 638-9100 to speak with one of their representatives.
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