Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to the southeastern United States, but widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and Asia
- Hardness
- 1700 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse texture, ring-porous growth rings clearly visible
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a golden brown to greenish-yellow, often darkening to a dark brown over time upon exposure to light; sapwood is a pale yellowish-white and is typically very narrow
Hardness (Janka)
1700 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to very recently harvested small round branch or sapling section (less than 1 year)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (abundant, highly invasive in some non-native regions, widely available)
Common Uses
Fence posts, decking, shipbuilding, outdoor furniture, trellises, flooring, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Native to the southeastern United States, but widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and Asia
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools due to extreme hardness; high blunting effect on cutters; pre-boring is necessary for nailing and screwing; glues and finishes well with proper care
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, exterior UV-blocking finishes, or marine varnishes; finishes can sometimes be challenging due to natural oils, requiring proper surface preparation
Notable Features
Contains natural chemical compounds that make it extremely rot-resistant without chemical treatments; high shock resistance and dimensional stability; toxic bark and foliage
