Black Walnut Exterior Use

[NBK]

Hello all,  I am looking to build some large outdoor furniture pieces and am thinking of using black walnut.  The design is a simple 4"x50"x96" platform with a 4"x24"x70" angled back  making a big, bulky sofa style design.  I have read that walnut is very rot resistant and is overlooked as a out material as long as heartwood is used.  Any body have a different opinion?
Thanks
Nathan

 

[Birdhunter]

No experience with walnut for outside items but would suggest you look at Ipe as a sure bet alternative. If you decide to use Ipe, this forum has some excellent wisdom.

 

[NBK]

If it was available in 4x material I would be.  The design is the limiting factor here getting material thick enough to laminate to proper size.

 

[jacko9]

Black Walnut has been too expensive to use for anything except fine furniture.  Ipe and other woods of that type have been very good for outdoor use (while the supply lasts).  I am old enough to remember when Honduras Mahogany was very abundant at a reasonable price for large timbers.

Jack

 

[NBK]

This is one of those situations where money is not an issue.  Original pricing called for Teak and they are ok with its price but sourcing Teak in 4x is no easy task either.

 

[jmarkflesher]

Don't know if you can get a grade good enough but black locust is tops for weather resistance. Fence posts will last 50 to 75 years in the ground without any coating. MARK

 

[r cash]

I did some walnut outdoor tables. They held up well enough but really need marine grade varnish to keep  from molding on the surface. I went to teak still needs some love just cleaning works. Varnish is a great thing but needs time to maintain.
Not sure where you are I have one 14"/14" 13' burmese teak beam not to be seen in this life again.willing to sell.
Have a great day
Rc

 

[Billedis]

Ipe Depot has 2x12 for $20.17/lin ft.  Also 4x4 & 6x6.

 

[jacko9]

I did some walnut outdoor tables. They held up well enough but really need marine grade varnish to keep  from molding on the surface. I went to teak still needs some love just cleaning works. Varnish is a great thing but needs time to maintain.
Not sure where you are I have one 14"/14" 13' burmese teak beam not to be seen in this life again.willing to sell.
Have a great day
Rc

Now that would be a fun trying to resaw that into lumber.  I have a few sticks of Honduras Mahogany 2 1/2" x 24" by 14' that also sit in my lumber rack waiting for "inspiration".

Jack

 

[festooltim]

I built my kids a play set some years ago from a walnut tree I cut up with a portable band saw mill had some 4x4s and 4x6s held up pretty well I put no finish on it at all. Not as good for ground contact but if can drain and dry it held up well. As the one guy said it does tend to green up in places.

 

[sconnell94]

While I've never used walnut in an exterior application, it is a fairly stable hardwood so should do ok if finished properly.  But one thing to note...walnut is one of the few woods that can actually lighten over time so if your clients are expecting that deep, dark walnut color, it can actually lighten up quite a bit over time.  I would suspect this would accelerate if exposed to the elements.