Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, slightly interlocked, with conspicuous growth rings and a coarse texture. End grain shows ring-porous structure with tyloses visible in heartwood pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is pale yellowish-brown to greenish-tinged brown, darkening to a golden or russet brown with age. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated. It is known for its high luster.
Hardness Rating
1,700 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and decay, and considered one of the most durable woods in North America for ground contact and insect resistance.
Common Uses
Fence posts, boatbuilding, outdoor furniture, decking, mine timbers, flooring, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozark Plateau in Eastern North America; widely naturalized globally.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on availability and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the cross-section, the sample is from a limb or young trunk approximately 15-20 years old, freshly cut with minimal oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and even invasive in some regions.
Workability
Difficult to work due to high density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Glues and finishes well, but pre-boring is necessary for nails and screws.
Notable Features
Under ultraviolet light, the heartwood is highly fluorescent, glowing a strong yellowish-green. It contains high levels of tannins and is exceptionally rot-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for oil-based finishes or exterior sealers that penetrate the surface. Clear polyurethane can also be used to maintain its natural color and luster.
Identification Confidence
High / Medium. The yellowish-green hue, tight growth rings, thick rough bark, and ring-porous end grain texture are characteristic of Black Locust.