Walnut is a scarce and slow-growing tree, consequently causing its price point to be higher than other varieties of wood. This is due to its remarkable grain patterns and deep, dark color that is so highly desired.
Following are the reasons why Walnut wood is expensive.
The tree takes around 50 years to mature, it is longer than most other trees. It is in high demand due to its desired characteristics such as durability, strength or aesthetic making it one of the best wood species around.
Due to its premium quality, unique beauty and durability, walnut is considered a high-end wood. In fact, walnut is considered one of the most luxurious non-exotic woods available for home furniture. Walnut is highly desired for its rich, chocolate-brown color, and lends a feeling of luxury to any space.
Walnut and oak, while both premier cabinet wood species, can come at significantly different price points. Walnut will almost always be more expensive than oak. That's because walnut is not as populous, which results in it being harder to source and more expensive.
The wood of black walnut is dark, hard, dense, and close-grained. Woodworkers value it for its strength, texture, and color. It polishes to an extremely smooth finish and ranges in color from milky white sapwood to dark chocolate heartwood. Natural walnut wood develops a beautiful patina over time.
Pros: Walnut is a very strong and stable wood that can take intricate carving. The color can be beautiful. Cons: Some may not like the variation from dark to light that's sometimes found on a single wide board. Walnut is also one of the more costly woods.
The Black Walnut is one of the most expensive and lucrative trees to sell, thanks to its high-quality dark wood. The tree ranges from $5- $10 per board foot, although it can cost more depending on other factors. In most cases, your 20-inch tree can fetch you $700- $800.
The most expensive wood is agarwood. Other expensive woods include: African black wood, sandalwood, koa wood, Brazilian rosewood, lignum vitae, cocobolo wood, purpleheart wood, bocote wood, holly tree wood, bubinga wood, and pink ivory. Several of these woods cost upwards of $100,000 per kilo.
There are many varieties of walnut trees, but just a few are native to North America. It's the Eastern Black Walnut (also called the American Black Walnut or American Walnut) that is most often used for woodworking. Beautiful walnut trees found in the midwest hail from Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.
When it comes to overall strength and durability, maple triumphs. Maple is a significantly stronger hardwood product than walnut. In fact, maple is one of the strongest and most durable natural wood options available. It holds up well resisting significant dents or dings.
Grade: First and Seconds (FAS)
Above grade Walnut can be found in wide and long boards, but you will pay a premium for it. This is the highest grade, and NHLA states for all lumber the following: 83.3% clear of defect on both faces.
This is a wood that while rising in popularity has always remained among the top choices of wood species. It's unique and durable characteristics make it a great option for those who wish their pieces to last a lifetime and charm to remain timeless.
Uses: Walnut is commonly used for furniture, musical instruments, carvings, trims and veneers. Advantages: durable, long lasting wood.
Black walnut timber is used in the production of furniture, door panels, trim, flooring, cabinets and more. At the time of writing this article in 2022, black walnut tree value ranges from $5 to $10 per board foot… if not higher in some cases.
Some of the most common uses for it are: Furniture such as desks, tables, chairs, dressers and shelves. Despite the slightly higher price of black walnut when compared with other popular types of wood, the benefits of this wood are usually well worth it to woodworkers and home-owners alike.
Walnut is rated at a 1010 on the Janka Hardness Scale. European Oak is a 1360 on the same scale. This means that Oak is more durable than Walnut and will stand up better against constant use and daily wear and tear. Walnut isn't the best flooring choice for high-traffic areas of the home.
Color/Appearance: Heartwood can range from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Color can sometimes have a gray, purple, or reddish cast. Sapwood is nearly white. European Walnut can occasionally also be found with figured grain patterns such as: curly, crotch, and burl.
Unlike cherry, maple, and oak (which all darken in color as they age), walnut wood will actually lighten slightly over time.
Of locally available woods, Black Ironwood is typically the strongest type of wood you can find in America. It's found in Florida and has a 3,660 lbf (16,280 N) Janka rating. Other strong North American woods include species of hickory, maples, oaks, walnuts, and beeches.
Teakwood is one of the hardest and most durable of all natural woods. It is resistant to rotting, sunlight, rain, frost, and snow, making it suitable for outdoor construction and furniture. However, it is expensive and sometimes hard to find.
Consequently, they have become the most well-liked and sought-after choice for home furnishings and other types of furniture. Therefore, the trunk of an old walnut tree of twenty inches in diameter can fetch up to $800, while the trunk of an old walnut tree spanning forty to fifty inches in diameter can bring in $2000.
They are packed with essential fats, antioxidants, fiber, and plant compounds that improve overall health. However, one must also be aware of the side effects of walnuts. Overconsumption of walnuts may cause digestive issues and allergies, lead to weight gain and choking in children, and aggravate ulcers.
According to the 2021 Trends report, sales of Tulare County walnut properties were very limited, ranging from $24,000 to $30,000 per acre last year.