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6/8/2025 4:36:58 PM EDT
I have a lot of scrap black walnut. I was thinking of taking some of it and turning it into fence posts. In my research, i found that its a bad idea because they rot easy, and ive read that its not terrible for this function that if i do go this route to treat it.

Has anyone used Black walnut for this? I figured people havent used them because it would simply be more expensive and not worth the extra money.

Any information would be great
6/8/2025 5:07:47 PM EDT
[#1]
It's toxic to horses, be careful with it
6/8/2025 5:16:15 PM EDT
[#2]
I make a lot of cutting boards out of black walnut.

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Stumbling on the stepstool of mediocracy...
6/8/2025 7:14:07 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By GravyLegs:
It's toxic to horses, be careful with it
View Quote


Specifically horses? And how is it toxic? The leaves, the oil leeching in to the surrounding ground?
6/8/2025 7:53:07 PM EDT
[#4]
Can you make shelves out of it?
6/8/2025 8:19:11 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By clownbear69:


Specifically horses? And how is it toxic? The leaves, the oil leeching in to the surrounding ground?
View Quote


My FIL told me that years ago when I was working on a black walnut project in his barn/shop. He was mostly worried about the saw dust and wood chips around his horses. Older horse lady repeated this to me recently too
Here's a quick google search

Yes, black walnuts are toxic to certain plants and animals, primarily due to the presence of a chemical called juglone. Juglone is found in all parts of the black walnut tree, but is most concentrated in the roots, nut husks, and leaves.
Here's why black walnuts can be toxic:
Juglone is a chemical toxin:
.
Juglone is a natural herbicide that can harm or kill certain plants, including tomatoes, peppers, and various other vegetables.
Toxicity to animals:
.
While not directly toxic to humans when eaten in small amounts, juglone can be harmful to animals, especially horses, if they ingest black walnut shavings, roots, or leaves.
Persistence in soil:
.
Juglone can persist in the soil, even after the tree is removed, and can continue to harm sensitive plants for several years.
Skin irritation:
.
The husks and sap of black walnuts can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
In summary: Black walnut trees and their parts (especially husks, leaves, roots, and even shavings) contain juglone, a chemical that can be toxic to certain plants and animals. While not generally harmful to humans when consumed in moderation, it's important to be aware of the potential for toxicity and take precautions, especially when dealing with black walnut trees, shavings, or planting juglone-sensitive plants nearby.
6/8/2025 8:44:42 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By killingmachine123:
Can you make shelves out of it?
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Dont see why i couldnt but i dont need anything for inside the house. Hence seeing if fence posts would be a good thing. Keep in mind this is from the tree tops
6/8/2025 8:51:46 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By GravyLegs:


My FIL told me that years ago when I was working on a black walnut project in his barn/shop. He was mostly worried about the saw dust and wood chips around his horses. Older horse lady repeated this to me recently too
Here's a quick google search

Yes, black walnuts are toxic to certain plants and animals, primarily due to the presence of a chemical called juglone. Juglone is found in all parts of the black walnut tree, but is most concentrated in the roots, nut husks, and leaves.
Here's why black walnuts can be toxic:
Juglone is a chemical toxin:
.
Juglone is a natural herbicide that can harm or kill certain plants, including tomatoes, peppers, and various other vegetables.
Toxicity to animals:
.
While not directly toxic to humans when eaten in small amounts, juglone can be harmful to animals, especially horses, if they ingest black walnut shavings, roots, or leaves.
Persistence in soil:
.
Juglone can persist in the soil, even after the tree is removed, and can continue to harm sensitive plants for several years.
Skin irritation:
.
The husks and sap of black walnuts can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
In summary: Black walnut trees and their parts (especially husks, leaves, roots, and even shavings) contain juglone, a chemical that can be toxic to certain plants and animals. While not generally harmful to humans when consumed in moderation, it's important to be aware of the potential for toxicity and take precautions, especially when dealing with black walnut trees, shavings, or planting juglone-sensitive plants nearby.
View Quote


Well i definitely wont be using it for bedding. Thanks for the post.
6/8/2025 9:03:22 PM EDT
[#8]
I have used it for knife handles.  It usually turns out quite nice, especially if well figured.
6/9/2025 9:08:05 AM EDT
[Last Edit: NotIssued][Edited] [#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Genin:
I have used it for knife handles.  It usually turns out quite nice, especially if well figured.
View Quote

Thats not a bad idea. Depending on how much, there's a few knife makes on ARFCOM
6/9/2025 9:15:02 AM EDT
[#10]
You would probably be better off selling it, then using the funds to buy cheaper wood better suited for posts, and pocketing the profit
6/9/2025 2:09:26 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By clownbear69:


Dont see why i couldnt but i dont need anything for inside the house. Hence seeing if fence posts would be a good thing. Keep in mind this is from the tree tops
View Quote

Black walnut tends to be fairly desirable for some woodworkers.  If your just looking for a use, id have someone take a look over what you have to see if its worth more to sell it to someone than struggle to find a purpose for it.  May even post pics of what you have in the woodworking section in Arf and see what they have to say about what you have.
"Always consider the possibility that you may be wrong. Especially when you are absolutely certain you are right."
6/9/2025 4:27:01 PM EDT
[#12]
Black walnut fence posts won't last long.  Now black locust on the other hand makes fantastic posts.
"I would live this war one day at a time, and I promised myself that if I survived, I would find a small farm somewhere in the Pennsylvania countryside and spend the remainder of my life in quiet and peace.” - Richard Winters
6/9/2025 7:46:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 1Andy2][Edited] [#13]
All kinds of woodworking stuff, as suggested.

Even small pieces can be laminated together with enough glue and autism.
Never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be. - Adm James Stockdale
6/9/2025 11:57:44 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TheJMan1:
Black walnut fence posts won't last long.  Now black locust on the other hand makes fantastic posts.
View Quote


Define wont last long?
6/9/2025 11:59:52 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Jkees:
You would probably be better off selling it, then using the funds to buy cheaper wood better suited for posts, and pocketing the profit
View Quote


Actually i did and not a a taker in my area in my main left over i ended up having to cut and split for fire wood .

Not its the tree top portion and cleaning up much of the loggers mess
6/10/2025 12:04:36 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By NotIssued:

Thats not a bad idea. Depending on how much, there's a few knife makes on ARFCOM
View Quote


I know id sell cheap if it meant it cleaned up and used i just know in my area the wood workers declined because they dont have the means or will to take raw products and make in finished

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