Walnut Hollow Closing 2025: What Woodburning Artists Need to Know

Alright, let’s talk about some tough news. Walnut Hollow, the leading woodburning supply company I’ve recommended more times than I can count, is shutting down this spring after 50+ years in business.

If you’re just getting into pyrography, you might be wondering why this matters. If you’ve been around the woodburning world for a while, you probably already know this is a pretty big deal for anyone who does woodburning art.

Why This Hits Hard

Here’s the thing about Walnut Hollow: they weren’t just another craft supplier. They were the supplier for most of us. Their basswood surfaces had that perfect grain structure that made burning predictable and forgiving. Their tools? Reliable workhorses that didn’t quit mid-project. For beginners, especially, Walnut Hollow products removed a lot of the variables that can make woodburning frustrating when you’re starting out.

The company’s parent company, UFP Industries, cited economic conditions that haven’t bounced back as expected. Translation: the numbers stopped working, and even a 50-year legacy couldn’t change that reality.

What I’m Doing About This

I need to be honest with you. I’ve created a lot of content around Walnut Hollow recommendations. Every beginner guide, most of my Amazon links, and countless casual mentions across articles. That’s on me to fix, and I’m taking it seriously.

Here’s my plan:

Over the next few weeks, I’m going through every piece of content on this site. Every recommendation gets re-evaluated. Every Amazon link gets updated. If I can’t find a suitable replacement for something, I’ll tell you that too rather than leaving you hanging.

This isn’t just about swapping out links. I’m actually testing alternatives through real projects, real burn times, real results. You’ll get the same level of honest assessment you’re used to, just with different products backing it up.

Walnut Hollow Alternatives for Woodburning Supplies

The good news? Walnut Hollow’s closure doesn’t mean we’re stuck. The woodburning community has always been resourceful, and there are solid options emerging:

Basswood surfaces: Local lumber yards often stock basswood for woodburning (you just have to ask). Online specialty retailers are scaling up their offerings. Some are even improving on Walnut Hollow’s traditional approach.

Woodburning tools: Companies like Colwood and Razertip have been innovating while Walnut Hollow stayed consistent with their proven designs. This might actually push us toward better woodburning equipment overall.

Pyrography starter kits: New players are entering the market with comprehensive beginner woodburning sets that rival what Walnut Hollow offered.

I won’t recommend specific alternatives just yet, until I’ve thoroughly tested them. But the options exist, and honestly, some might actually be improvements over what we’re losing.

What Happens Next

You can expect updated recommendations based on real testing, not just spec sheets and marketing materials. When I find something that works better than what Walnut Hollow offered, you’ll hear about it. When I find something that doesn’t quite measure up, you’ll hear about that too.

The fundamentals of woodburning and pyrography remain unchanged: high-quality basswood, reliable woodburning tools, patience, and practice. We’re just adjusting the sourcing part of the equation.

If you’ve found woodburning supply alternatives that work well, drop them in the comments. This community thrives when we share knowledge.