When people shop for hardwood lumber or specify materials for an architectural project, they often encounter terms like sustainably sourced, responsibly harvested, or FSC Certified. These phrases appear on websites, product literature, and construction specifications, but they are not always clearly … [Read more...]
Climbing Walnut Prices, Part 1
It just doesn’t make sense that a domestic species like Walnut costs more than an exotic one like Mahogany, does it? While on the surface, it might not seem logical, there are many reasons American Walnut has dealt with increased prices along with a downgrade of grading as far as what’s considered … [Read more...]
How Lumber Is Graded: Inside the NHLA System
When purchasing hardwood lumber, most people naturally focus on species, color, grain, and price. But behind every high-quality hardwood board is another critical factor that heavily influences appearance, usability, yield, and value: grading. Lumber grading helps establish expectations for the … [Read more...]
Challenges & Benefits of Working with American Black Walnut Wood
American Black Walnut wood, scientifically known as Juglans nigra, is one of the most loved native hardwoods in the United States. With its widespread utilization in furniture crafting, wood turning, wood carving, and panel veneering, this prime species possesses charm and high performance. Despite … [Read more...]
Lumber Grading Anomalies: Adjusting Expectations for Walnut
Grades are one thing; they’re pretty straightforward, and no one customer or supplier is going to get the system changed. But expectations are different. Not only are they unique to each individual, but they shape the way we experience life and the likelihood of our appreciation and enjoyment. If … [Read more...]
How to Finish Walnut for Maximum Depth and Color
Few domestic hardwoods command as much admiration as Walnut. Known for its rich chocolate-brown tones, subtle purple undertones, and elegant grain patterns, Walnut has long been a favorite for fine furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork. But while the raw material is beautiful on its own, … [Read more...]
What Happens to Hardwood Between the Forest and Your Job Site?
When a bundle of Walnut, White Oak, Cherry, Sapele, Mahogany, or another hardwood arrives at a shop or job site, it is easy to think of the lumber as the beginning of the process. In reality, that bundle represents one of the final stages of a journey that may have started months or even years … [Read more...]
Walnut Wood: FAQs Before Buying or Working with It
Walnut wood - most commonly Black Walnut - is one of the most respected and desirable hardwoods available in the United States. Known for its deep, rich color, elegant grain, and excellent workability, Walnut has long been favored for fine furniture, cabinetry, and architectural woodwork. For anyone … [Read more...]
Understanding & Responding to Changes in Grading Categories for Walnut Lumber
Changes in grading systems understandably make us raise an eyebrow. After all, when it comes to manufactured lumber products, the obvious beneficiaries of that sliding scale end up being the manufacturers. While the situation is different for solid lumber, one common thread runs through both: … [Read more...]
Why Walnut’s Grading Scale Is More Liberal Than Its Counterparts
Now that you understand the distinctions between how Walnut is graded by the NHLA compared to other species (see Part 1), you’re probably wondering why Walnut gets off so easily. The answer is fairly simple: Basically, Walnut is different from most North American species, so it gets treated … [Read more...]
Comparing NHLA Guidelines for Walnut with That of Other Domestic Species
While all our domestic lumber species here at J Gibson McIlvain Lumber are graded according to NHLA (National Hardwood Lumber Association) guidelines, Walnut is, in some ways, in a league of its own. Many customers don’t understand the unique distinctions that set Walnut apart from other North … [Read more...]
Climbing Walnut Prices, Part 2
As you begin to understand why Walnut is graded differently than other domestic species, you may wonder about how different the grading requirements really are and how to think about and order Walnut, as a result. Grading Specifications To compare typical FAS standards to the downgraded standards … [Read more...]
Wide Plank Flooring: What You Need To Know Before You Start, Part 1
Wide plank flooring can be especially attractive - particularly in large, open areas. Commercial as well as residential applications are leaning more and more toward this trend, with many adding reclaimed or rustic flooring into the equation. Like many attractive flooring options, wide plank … [Read more...]
Lumber Grading Anomalies: Changing the Grading Scale for Walnut
In the past, we’ve decried the problems with grading adjustments. Generally, the customer loses out, as do manufacturers that can still source or produce A-grade products. At the same time, poor manufacturing seems to be encouraged. It’s a lose-lose scenario. However, in the case of Walnut, we … [Read more...]
Common Specification Mistakes When Choosing Wood (and How to Avoid Them)
Specifying hardwood for an architectural project often seems straightforward. Select an attractive species, choose a grade, identify the dimensions, and move forward with fabrication. In reality, successful wood specification is far more nuanced. Every year, architects, builders, designers, … [Read more...]
