Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to eastern North America, but widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Hardness
- 1,700 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (exceptional resistance to decay and rot, highly durable against insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture and distinct ring-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a golden-yellow to greenish-brown, which tends to darken to a deeper brown upon exposure to light. Sapwood is a contrasting pale yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
1,700 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (exceptional resistance to decay and rot, highly durable against insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for rough-sawn lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut log, estimated tree age before felling was approximately 40 to 60 years based on ring spacing and log diameter.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN. Highly sustainable and abundant in many regions.
Common Uses
Fence posts, decking, shipbuilding, exterior furniture, turnings, and mallets.
Geographic Origin
Native to eastern North America, but widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Workability
Very difficult to work with hand and machine tools due to its extreme hardness and density. It tends to blunt cutting edges quickly, but glues and finishes reasonably well.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or exterior-grade finishes work well. Polyurethane can be used for interior applications, though surface preparation may require thorough degreasing if natural oils are present.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, exceptionally rot-resistant without chemical treatment, heavy weight, and contains toxic compounds in the bark and leaves.
