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Black Locust — Nature's Answer to Pressure Treated

-Robinia pseudoacacia-

These Adirondack chairs, made by Larry Werner of Colrain, MA, will survive many seasons exposed to the elements

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.

Bench in process in the wood shop.

A very attractive and artistic use of Black Locust as a bench.

Decking at Laughing Dog Farm, Gill, 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 observes surface checking on newly planed Black Locust exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
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