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Black Locust — Nature's Answer to Pressure Treated -Robinia pseudoacacia- |
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Furniture and Decking. Black Locust is the most durable native hardwood in the US. Because of this, it is very important to pre-drill all places where connections are made. Otherwise, end-splitting will occur. Black Locust's nature is to grow with a twist, resulting in internal stresses. When harvesting Black Locust logs for milling, it is best to cut in straight sections regardless of length. Standard logging practices cut hardwood logs into pre-determined, marketable sections. (Click on any image for larger versions.) |
 Bench in process in the wood shop. |
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A new 2009 addition. (Click any image for larger versions.) |
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Brown-Weeks Deck, Leyden, MA Black Locust decking material should be air-dried at least six months prior to installation. Due to its propensity to "move" when first milled, fresh cut wood needs to "relax" into its stress-free environment. Decking material should be six inches in width or less. Planing greatly beautifies the natural grain and color of the wood. A wood preservative may help "feed" the wood. I have observed surface checking on newly planed Black Locust exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. |
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Black Locust deck, MA. |