Locust

Scientific Name:

Robinia pseudoacadia

Other Names and Species:

Black Locust
Yellow Locust

Origin:

United States and Canada

Appearance:

The sapwood of black locust is yellowish while the heartwood ranges from greenish-yellow to golden brown, changing to russet brown after exposure. The species has a prominent, straight grain. Locust has a coarse and uneven texture.

Properties:

Locust’s heartwood has a natural resistance to decay. The wood remains smooth under friction and is reported to have no odor.

Janka Hardness: 1700

Locust is a hard and durable flooring option. It is nearly identical in hardness to African padauk, close to seventy percent harder than black walnut, is roughly one third harder than red oak, and about seventy-seven percent as hard as santos mahogany’s ranking of 2200.

Workability:

Locust is somewhat difficult to saw properly. This species is difficult to nail properly but does take glueing well. The wood sands to a smooth surface, stains satifactorily, and polishes to a high finish.

Principal Uses:

Locust’s uses include flooring, poles, railroad ties, mine timbers, and posts.