Honey Locust
Gleditsia triacanthos · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and Eastern North America.
- Hardness
- 1,580 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable; rated as being very resistant to rot and decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with a very coarse texture and distinct ring-porous appearance, often exhibiting a strong cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood typically ranges from a light pink or reddish brown to a medium brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. It darkening significantly with age and light exposure and can display a moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,580 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; rated as being very resistant to rot and decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on local availability and board width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly harvested to approximately 1-2 years old based on the presence of intact bark and early stages of cambium oxidation/discoloration.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; considered a sustainable and abundant species.
Common Uses
Fence posts, pellets, firewood, heavy construction, pallets, and occasionally for high-quality furniture or turning.
Geographic Origin
Central and Eastern North America.
Workability
Can be difficult to work with hand tools due to its hardness and density. It glues, stains, and finishes well, but it tends to dull cutting edges quickly.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer works well for protection; penetrating oils (Danish oil) enhance the reddish heartwood color beautifully.
Notable Features
Features extremely large, distinct pores and a high density that provides excellent nail-holding power. It has no characteristic odor when being worked.
