Black Locust (with Honey Locust as a secondary possibility)
Robinia pseudoacacia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozark Plateau in North America, but now naturalized throughout most of temperate North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Hardness
- 1700 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay; widely regarded as one of the most rot-resistant woods in North America.
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Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain pattern with noticeable growth ring contrast. The grain is generally straight but exhibits a coarse, uneven texture with a distinctive bullseye or knot-like figure where a branch originated.
Color & Appearance
Pale greenish-yellow to yellowish-brown heartwood. The sapwood is thin and light yellow. It exhibits a slight natural luster and typically darkens to a medium-to-dark brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1700 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay; widely regarded as one of the most rot-resistant woods in North America.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $5.00 - $9.00 per board foot (varies significantly by location and grade).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently surfaced. The bright yellow-green tint suggests very little UV-induced oxidation, likely less than 6 months old since its last surfacing.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed by CITES or the IUCN Red List. Extremely sustainable, fast-growing, and often considered invasive in certain regions.
Common Uses
Fence posts, railroad ties, deck furniture, boatbuilding, flooring, turnery, and firewood.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozark Plateau in North America, but now naturalized throughout most of temperate North America, Europe, and Asia.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on tool edges; pre-boring is necessary for screws. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or outdoor-rated polyurethanes. Due to its use in outdoor applications, penetrating oils like teak or tung oil are frequently used to maintain the natural color.
Notable Features
Glows under blacklight (fluorescence); extremely dense and heavy; very high thermal energy when burned.
