Likely black locust; honey locust or another light-colored hardwood are alternatives. — Robinia pseudoacacia (likely)

Likely black locust; honey locust or another light-colored hardwood are alternatives.

Robinia pseudoacacia (likely) · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Native to the southeastern United States and widely grown or naturalized across eastern North America and elsewhere.
Hardness
1,700 lbf; Hard.
Durability
Very Durable; black locust heartwood is notably resistant to decay and insects, though sapwood is less durable.

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Grain Pattern

The freshly exposed surface shows mostly straight grain, but bark-covered, rough surfaces and the small end-grain view prevent reliable assessment of figure or cut.

Color & Appearance

Exposed wood is yellow to golden-brown with a pale sapwood-like streak; heartwood and sapwood boundaries are unclear. Fresh-cut color can darken toward brown with age.

Hardness (Janka)

1,700 lbf; Hard.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable; black locust heartwood is notably resistant to decay and insects, though sapwood is less durable.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Roughly US$5–12 per board foot for usable, kiln-dried lumber; this irregular, bark-on log is not directly gradeable.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be estimated reliably from this image; bark and fresh cuts provide little evidence of the tree’s age or storage history.

Common Uses

Fence posts, outdoor furniture, decking, flooring, turnery, and tool handles.

Geographic Origin

Native to the southeastern United States and widely grown or naturalized across eastern North America and elsewhere.

Workability

Hard and dense; sharp tools are recommended. It can machine cleanly with care, but knots and irregular grain may cause tearout; predrill fasteners.

Finish Recommendations

For interior use, sand progressively and apply oil, varnish, or polyurethane. For exterior use, use an exterior-rated penetrating finish or leave unfinished where weathering is acceptable.

Notable Features

Known for exceptional outdoor durability and golden-to-brown heartwood; this sample’s roughness and limited exposed grain obscure diagnostic details.

Learn more about Likely black locust; honey locust or another light-colored hardwood are alternatives. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 3, 2026