Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionBlack Locust Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Black Locust is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameRobinia pseudoacacia
Janka hardness1,700 lbf
Average dried weight48.0 lb/ft³
Best fitVeneer
Overview
Why choose Black Locust?
Black Locust is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Central-eastern United States; widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide. Used for veneer, turned objects, furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, railroad ties, mine timbers and fence posts.
Scientific nameRobinia pseudoacacia
DistributionCentral-eastern United States; widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide
ShrinkageRadial: 4.6%, Tangential: 7.2%, Volumetric: 10.2%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 More images | Identification
DurabilityIt is rated very durable and weathers well.
Black Locust colour, grain, and figure
The colour runs from pale greenish yellow through to a darker brown, and it darkens to a russet brown as it ages.
Straight grain is typical, with a medium texture.
Working notes
Black locust is a mixed bag. The grain is normally straight, but its density and hardness make it harder to machine than most other domestic hardwoods. It also dulls cutting edges to a moderate degree.
Black locust can irritate the eyes and skin and, less often, cause nausea, though serious reactions are rare.
Black Locust should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Black Locust
Best projects
Used for veneer, turned objects, furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, railroad ties, mine timbers and fence posts.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Black Locust from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Black Locust FAQ
What is Black Locust best used for?
Used for veneer, turned objects, furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, railroad ties, mine timbers and fence posts. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Black Locust beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Black Locust?
The buying section on this page links to any Black Locust Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.