Unlike the tropical hardwoods, Black Locust Lumber decking provides a much higher slip resistance than that of the more oily Ipe and other tropical hardwoods. This makes Black Locust decking an ideal choice around pools and docks which will assist in decreasing slip and fall hazards in those areas.
Is black locust good for outdoor use?
Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia) is the strongest and most rot resistant wood indigenous to North America. It makes an incredibly resilient and durable decking material that will remain beautiful and withstand years of outdoor exposure. Nothing beats Black Locust for sustainability and durability.
Is black locust good to build with?
Black locust wood is an excellent choice for many construction projects because it is strong, durable, and sustainable. It has a beautiful grain that will add elegance to any project. Plus, this type of lumber does not require replanting after harvesting, making it a more sustainable choice.
Is black locust wood waterproof?
The wood is dense, durable, and resistant therefore ideal for a wide variety of outdoor applications. Black Locust’s qualities are due to the presence of tyloses and extractives. Tyloses are plant tissues that block cell vessels making them watertight.
What is the longest lasting decking material?
Aluminum and Steel
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
Is black locust expensive?
But it’s worth it: Beyond the sustainability benefits, black locust is also cost-effective. In bulk, it’s $5.44 per square foot, while ipe is more than $7 per square foot.
Is locust wood rot resistant?
In Hungary, Black Locust is the basis of commercial honey production. The high-density wood is the most rot resistant wood we can grow in our climate, making it an ideal material for fenceposts, hope poles, outdoor furniture, decks, and other projects that require weatherproof materials.
Does black locust wood warp?
Black locust from small trees will warp. Lumber from large locust trees will not warp as much, but large trees are not common. With a large tree, the lumber will have to be edged to eliminate the sapwood, so that will not result in very wide pieces. Black locust is also hard to saw because the wood is so dense.
How long does it take black locust to grow?
In its native range, black locust grows rapidly following disturbances such as logging or mining. In regenerating hardwood forests in North Carolina, black locust seedlings grew 26 feet (8 m) in 3 years. They grew faster than any other species for 10 to 20 years [24].
Are black locust invasive?
Black locusts have invasive traits that enable them to spread aggressively. While these trees have demonstrated invasive traits, there is insufficient supporting research to declare them so pervasive that they cannot be recommended for any planting sites.
Is locust a hardwood?
The black locust tree is a hardwood but it’s unique because it grows faster than most softwoods. Even though the tree grows extremely fast, it still produces tough, dense, heavy firewood.
Is Black Locust toxic?
The Black Locust inner bark, roots, and twigs are poisonous to livestock, especially horses, and can be fatal. The seed is poisonous to humans.
How long does it take black locust wood to dry?
Technically speaking, Black Locust can be seasoned in as quickly as 6 to 8 months. But, if you want to properly season it for optimal use (higher BTU and longer burning time) then you need to season it for double that time. One year, to a year and a half, is the best seasoning time for Black Locust.
What is the difference between honey locust and Black Locust?
Honey locusts can be distinguished from Black Locusts by their longer, widespread thorns and longer seedpods. The bark of the two trees is also quite different in color and shape, and the Black Locusts flowers are large, showy white clusters, while those of the Honey Locust are creamy and insignificant.
Can you stain Black Locust?
Locust needs the extractives to be treated in order for stain to accept into the wood fiber otherwise is pushed it off in a fairly short time. We use Lime Clean for that. Typically, when pressure washed and stained with conventional stain, locust will shed the stain in about 6 months while it is acclimating.
Is Black Locust stable?
Black Locust is a very hard and strong wood, competing with Hickory (Carya genus) as the strongest and stiffest domestic timber, but with more stability and rot-resistance. Although it shares a similar name with Honey Locust, the two aren’t in the same genus, (Robinia and Gleditsia, respectively).
What is IPE decking?
Ipe wood is a high density hardwood decking material.
The high density of Ipe decking is one reason why Ipe decking lasts so long and is so durable. Ipe decking is naturally resistant to termites and rot and decay. Ipe decking is so dense it has received a Class A fire rating.
