Frequently Asked Questions
Some suppliers would prefer you don’t understand the differences in manufacturing and grading Black Walnut lumber. At Mo Pac Lumber, we want you to understand so you know how seriously we take doing it right.
Is steaming Walnut lumber important?
Walnut sapwood is typically much lighter than the heartwood, often white or light brown in color. By steaming Black Walnut lumber, the sapwood will turn a darker color. When properly steamed walnut lumber has a richer, more uniform color.
Is Walnut lumber sustainable?
Forest Growth and Sustainability for Walnut
FIA data shows Walnut (in the United States) growing stock is 137.8 million m3, 0.9% of total U.S. hardwood growing stock. American walnut is growing 4.8 million m3 per year while the harvest is 1.9 million m3 per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing 2.9 million m3 each year. U.S. Walnut growth exceeds harvest in all major supplying states except Michigan.
Why is Walnut lumber graded differently than other hardwood lumber?
Walnut trees make up a small portion of the overall forest composition and grow differently than other trees, often having more branches than other hardwood trees. The grading rules account for these facts. Due to the differences in NHLA Grading Rules are modified for walnut, allowing smaller specifications and smaller clear cuttings and sapwood is admitted without limit.
Learn more in this video created by the American Walnut Manufacturers Association:
Walnut sapwood is typically much lighter than the heartwood, often white or light brown in color. By steaming Black Walnut lumber, the sapwood will turn a darker color. When properly steamed walnut lumber has a richer, more uniform color.
Forest Growth and Sustainability for Walnut
FIA data shows Walnut (in the United States) growing stock is 137.8 million m3, 0.9% of total U.S. hardwood growing stock. American walnut is growing 4.8 million m3 per year while the harvest is 1.9 million m3 per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing 2.9 million m3 each year. U.S. Walnut growth exceeds harvest in all major supplying states except Michigan.
Walnut trees make up a small portion of the overall forest composition and grow differently than other trees, often having more branches than other hardwood trees. The grading rules account for these facts. Due to the differences in NHLA Grading Rules are modified for walnut, allowing smaller specifications and smaller clear cuttings and sapwood is admitted without limit.
Learn more in this video created by the American Walnut Manufacturers Association: