Black Walnut Select Hardwood S4S

Select Black Walnut Hardwood Lumber Boards - Surfaced S4S

Enhance your woodworking projects with our select grade Black Walnut Hardwood Lumber Boards, expertly surfaced on all four sides (S4S) and kiln-dried for optimal stability. These boards are ready to use, featuring smooth surfaces and precise dimensions that save time in preparation, ensuring a clean, professional finish. The kiln-dried process enhances stability and reduces the risk of warping, making them ideal for both novice and experienced woodworkers.

Renowned for their beautiful grain and rich color variations, these Black Walnut boards showcase a stunning palette that ranges from deep chocolate brown to warm tan hues. Each board is primarily composed of heartwood, though some may include lighter sapwood accents, adding unique character to your creations. While the boards arrive surface finished, additional dressing and sanding may be necessary to achieve the perfect final touch for your project.

Black Walnut, a robust hardwood sourced from the USA and Canada, is a favorite among artisans for crafting high-quality cabinets and furniture. Its rich tones harmonize beautifully with maple and offer endless possibilities for creative expression, making it an ideal choice for carving and even musical instrument construction.

For those woodworkers seeking a less finished option, explore our S2S1E Hardwoods. If you're in need of specific widths and lengths not currently listed in our online store, please inquire about availability—we're here to help!

Characteristics of our Select Boards:

1. Wavy or Curly grain patterns: Black walnut can exhibit wavy or curly grain patterns, which are often referred to as "curl" or "figured" grain. This occurs when the wood fibers grow in a non-linear pattern, creating unique visual effects and patterns in the wood. Such grain patterns are highly sought after because they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the finished piece, adding depth and character.  Although wavy or curly grain is visible in many boards, we can’t guarantee the board will have a wavy grain pattern.

2. Variations of heartwood coloring: The heartwood of black walnut typically ranges in color from a rich chocolate brown to purplish brown to dark taupe coloring. Natural variations can occur, leading to lighter or darker shades depending on factors like age and growth conditions. The natural variances in wood color are primarily caused by factors such as the tree's age, environmental conditions (including soil type, moisture, and light exposure), and the specific growth characteristics of the tree.
   
   
3. Minimal Face defects: FAS boards must have a minimum of 83 1/3% clear face. This means that the larger surface must have a significant amount of clear, usable wood with few or small defects on main face. Back face can have a few knots, want and other minor defects. There can be an occasional end check (small crack at end of board).
   
   
4. Possible Knots: FAS grading allows for some minor defects, such as sound knots, stains, but it should not significantly impact the appearance or usability of the board. Generally, FAS grade allows for a limited number of sound knots on good side, typically around one to two sound knots per side of the board, depending on their size. Typically, sound knots can be up to 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter. Back side can also have sound knots or partially missing knots, but missing knots should not go through the board.

5. Sapwood Limitation: Since black walnut sapwood is lighter in color (cream or white in color) compared to the heartwood, visible sapwood should be minimal to maintain the desirable characteristics associated with the FAS grade. FAS grade black walnut can have some sapwood, but it should generally not exceed 10% of the total width of the board.
   
   
6. Overall Quality: FAS graded wood is typically of the highest quality among hardwood lumber, making it ideal for fine furniture, cabinetry, and high-end woodworking projects.

Black walnut is prized for its rich color and grain pattern, making FAS grading particularly valuable in the woodworking and furniture making industries.

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Our S4S Walnut is also available in a Supreme grade. Here are some differences between the Select Grade versus the Supreme grade:

Black Walnut — Select vs. Supreme

• Color variation
• Select: greater variation; ranges from rich chocolate brown to medium tan coloring; front and back can differ.
• Supreme: less variation; consistently medium–dark browns; although there can be variation from back to front, more uniform on both faces than the select grade.

• Heartwood & face uniformity
• Select: faces may show different hues (tans and mixed brown/tan).
• Supreme: minimum 90% heartwood on both front and back; more even, darker coloring on both faces.

• Sizes & availability
• Select: available in 3 thickness options; maximum lengths up to 5'.
• Supreme: fewer size options but available in wider boards and up to 7' length.

• Best use
• Select: projects where character and color variety are desired.
• Supreme: Projects requiring a consistently darker appearance and faces that more closely match the select grade (without guaranteeing identical matches).