The price of domestic walnut lumber dropped 8% this month according to the Hardwood Market Report, marking the first significant decline since early 2024. For furniture makers who prize walnut rich color and workability, this price movement presents a notable opportunity.
Current Pricing and Market Factors
Mills attribute the decrease to reduced export demand combined with increased domestic harvest. Current prices hover around $6.80 per board foot for 4/4 FAS grade walnut, down from the $7.40 range earlier in 2025. This represents meaningful savings on larger furniture projects.
Industry reports indicate the walnut market outlook for 2026 shows decreasing prices, contrasting with White Oak and Soft Maple which are trending upward. Reduced overseas demand, particularly from Asian markets, has allowed more walnut to remain in domestic supply channels.
What This Means for Furniture Makers
A typical dining table project might require 25-30 board feet of walnut lumber. At the previous pricing, that represented roughly $220 in lumber costs. With the 8% reduction, the same material now runs closer to $200. For professional furniture makers producing multiple pieces, these savings compound quickly.
If prices hold through Q2, woodworkers planning walnut projects later in the year might consider purchasing lumber now while the market remains favorable. Walnut stores well in a controlled environment and buying ahead could lock in current pricing.
Regional Variations
Keep in mind that lumber pricing varies regionally. West coast shops may not see identical savings due to transportation costs from primary walnut growing regions in the Midwest and East. Walnut stumpage prices in Illinois, a major producing state, currently range from $830 to $3,650 per thousand board feet depending on log quality and grade.
Local hardwood dealers set their own pricing, so checking with your usual supplier for current availability and pricing remains essential. Some dealers may take time to adjust their retail prices to reflect wholesale market changes.
Looking Ahead
With a milder winter forecast and continued soft export demand, availability for domestic distribution should remain favorable into early 2026. Woodworkers interested in building walnut furniture have a reasonable window to source material at these reduced prices before market conditions shift again.
