Black Walnut log- What is it worth

[tireatr]

Newbie checking in for some information. I have (3) 12' Black Walnut logs to be milled. The largest is 27" diameter at the base end and 22" diameter at the other end. There are two similar with 22" diameter ends. They are all extremly straight with the largest having no visible knots.

Is it best to find someone who would mill this a veneer vs bdft lumber? What could one of the larger logs fetch in a good market? I'm located in the Piedmont of NC.

Thanks in advance

[Ron Wenrich]

You have about 250 bf/log.  Veneer will always pay better than sawing the log.  The value depends on how good the quality.  A real fast growing walnut is not worth as much as a slower growing one.  Too fast leaves very little grain or character in the wood. 

A good mill will offer you the veneer prices for a veneer log, and saw log prices for the other.  Lumber is worth generally worth more than sawlog prices, except in the lower grades.  If you have a use for the lumber, then it may be worthwhile to have the lower quality logs sawed.  If you think you're going to have it sawn, then market it later, you may have to wait awhile before you get to sell all the lumber.