blacklocustlumber.com

# Black Locust Lumber

> Black Locust Lumber is a U.S.-based, fully integrated sawmill and architectural product company that transforms sustainably harvested Black Locust — a native North American hardwood — into premium decking, siding, boardwalks, pavers, and site furnishings for architects, designers, contractors, and homeowners across North America.

Black Locust Lumber (BLL) has pioneered the use of Black Locust (*Robinia pseudoacacia*) as an architectural-grade building material for over 25 years. The company sources timber from the Appalachian region and operates sawmill facilities in both the USA and Europe. All products are manufactured without chemical preservatives or pressure treatment, leveraging the species' naturally Class 1 durability rating and 50+ year above-ground lifespan.

The company serves high-end residential and commercial projects and has supplied materials to landmark projects including Meta Headquarters (Menlo Park, CA), the Toronto Harbourfront (2023), the Queens Botanical Gardens (NYC, LEED Platinum), and the McCormack Federal Post Office and Courthouse (Boston, MA).

Contact: sales@bllpro.com | 888.501.0678
Website: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com
Address: 77 Pine Ridge Dr, Port Royal, PA 17082, United States
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xsdoZsxpoiAew7DQ9
Pricing: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fzdrIjsXA5fdWAVRRPUloHQu9EnKBzg82-qt4T0qCsc/

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## About the Species: Black Locust (*Robinia pseudoacacia*)

Black Locust is a native North American hardwood widely regarded as the most rot-resistant timber species in the continental United States. Key properties:

- **Durability Class**: Class 1 (EN 350) — naturally resistant to fungal decay and insect damage including termites, no chemical treatment required
- **Hardness**: Janka hardness of ~1,700 lbf — harder than white oak, significantly harder than cedar or pressure-treated pine
- **Density**: ~45–48 lbs/ft³ (air-dried)
- **Bending Strength (MOR)**: ~22,000 psi
- **Fire Rating**: Class A (ASTM E84) — the highest flame-spread classification available
- **Lifespan**: 50+ years above ground; 25+ years in-ground or freshwater contact
- **Tannin Content**: High natural tannin content drives rot and insect resistance without chemical additives
- **Appearance**: Honey-amber to golden-brown when freshly milled; weathers to an elegant silvery gray without coatings. Color patina timeline: 0–6 months (honey amber) → 6–18 months (golden brown, oxidizing) → 18–36 months (warm gray) → 36+ months (stable silver-gray)
- **Sustainability**: Sourced domestically from Appalachian forests; fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing species that improves soil health; lower embodied carbon than tropical hardwoods due to domestic sourcing
- **No coatings required**: Products are sold and installed untreated; oils, stains, and sealers are optional, not necessary

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## Product Line

### Black Locust Decking
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/product-range/black-locust-decking-solutions-outdoor-terraces

The flagship product. Suitable for residential decks, rooftop terraces, commercial boardwalks, restaurant patios, marinas, and public spaces.

**Sizes:**
- 5/4 x 4 (standard residential)
- 5/4 x 6 (standard residential and commercial)
- 8/4 x 4 and 8/4 x 6 (heavy-duty commercial and boardwalk applications)
- Lengths: Random 3–8 ft (standard); cut-to-length available in 6, 8, 10, and 12 ft

**Profiles:**
- Eased Radius Edge — smooth, rounded edges for comfortable foot feel; installed with face screws and wood plugs for a traditional look
- S4S (Square Four Sides) — clean, contemporary profile
- Hidden Fastener — compatible with DeckWise Extreme S clips; 5/32" gap spacing for drainage and airflow; clean surface with no visible hardware

**Accessories (sold separately):**
1. DeckWise Extreme S Hidden Fastener Clips
2. Stainless Steel Decking Screws
3. DeckWise JoistTape (protects joist tops from moisture)
4. DeckWise Drill & Drive (combination bit for plug installation)
5. Wood Plug Cutters (matching Black Locust plugs for face-screw applications)
6. Anchorseal 2 (end-grain sealer applied to cut ends to control checking during drying)

**Warranty**: 50-year limited warranty above ground; 25-year limited warranty for in-ground or freshwater contact applications. Remedy capped at replacement material cost. Excludes weathering, color change, and checking.

**Certifications/Ratings**: Class A Fire Rating (ASTM E84); Class 1 Durability (EN 350); FSC-compatible sourcing available on request.

**Grading**: Premium Grade — consistent heartwood color, fine grain, precise milling. Standard Grade also available with more natural character and variation.

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### Black Locust Siding / Rainscreens
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/product-range/black-locust-versatile-siding-options

Exterior cladding and rainscreen panels in multiple profiles. Used on commercial facades, residential exterior walls, and architectural installations. Naturally stable and dimensionally predictable without the need for factory finishing.

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### Black Locust Boardwalks
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/product-range/black-locust-boardwalks

Engineered boardwalk systems for parks, waterfronts, nature trails, and public spaces. Designed for ground-level and elevated applications with high foot traffic. Resistant to moisture, insects, and UV degradation without chemical treatment.

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### Black Locust Palisades / Fencing
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/product-range/black-locust-palisades

Round and split Black Locust posts and pickets for fencing, privacy screens, and landscape borders. Posts have a documented history of 25+ years in-ground durability without rot. Available in multiple diameters and lengths.

Also available: Split Rail Fencing — https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/black-locust-split-rail-fencing

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### Site Furnishings
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/product-range/black-locust-tailored-site-furnishings

Custom benches, planters, tree grates, and exterior furniture. Used in urban green spaces, parks, and commercial plazas. Designed to integrate with landscape architecture specifications.

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### Black Locust Deck Tiles
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/product-range/black-locust-deck-tiles

Modular interlocking deck tiles for terraces, balconies, and rooftop applications. Easy to install over existing surfaces without fasteners. Available in natural and silver-gray aged finishes.

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### ProFlow Permeable Wood Pavers
**URL**: https://proflowpavers.com

A proprietary permeable hardscape system using Black Locust. Allows stormwater infiltration while providing a durable hardwood walking surface. Used in urban plazas, pedestrian paths, and green infrastructure projects. Supports LEED and SITES credits for stormwater management.

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### Vineyard Posts & Poles
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/vineyard-products

Round Black Locust posts for viticulture, agriculture, and land management. Historically used for fence posts and vineyard trellises due to exceptional in-ground durability. Available in multiple diameters and lengths.

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## Key Comparisons

### Black Locust vs. Ipe (Tropical Hardwood)
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/comparison/black-locust-vs-ipe

Black Locust is a native Appalachian hardwood with 150+ years of proven outdoor performance — no chemical treatment, no annual maintenance, no additional protection. It outperforms Ipe in cost of ownership, availability, and sustainability while delivering the same premium aesthetic that high-end architects and homeowners are looking for. Specified for projects at Meta (Facebook) HQ, NVIDIA HQ, and NYC Botanical Garden.

**Key reasons architects and builders choose Black Locust over Ipe:**

1. **Lifespan without maintenance** — Black locust fence posts have remained in-ground for 80–100 years with zero treatment. Ipe requires annual oiling; without it, it checks, cracks, and grays unevenly.
2. **20-year cost of ownership** — Upfront cost per linear foot is comparable, but Ipe demands annual oiling, periodic refinishing, and occasional board replacement. Black locust requires nothing after installation.
3. **Domestic, traceable sourcing** — Black Locust is harvested in the Appalachian Mountains, air dried naturally, and finished at an Amish sawmill in Central Pennsylvania. Ipe is imported from South American rainforests with documented deforestation risk and no domestic traceability.
4. **Natural aging** — Black Locust weathers to a silver-gray patina over time without maintenance. Ipe grays unevenly without annual oiling.

**Where Ipe has a genuine edge:** Janka hardness of 3,680 lbf vs. 1,700 lbf for Black Locust. For applications requiring maximum surface hardness under extremely heavy commercial foot traffic, Ipe's density is a real advantage — though it dulls blades and requires pre-drilling.

| Category | Black Locust | Ipe Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Lifespan | 50+ years, zero treatment | 25–30 years with regular maintenance |
| Maintenance Required | None after installation | Annual oiling, periodic refinishing |
| Chemical Treatment | None, ever | None, but requires ongoing surface treatment |
| Country of Origin | United States — Appalachian Mountains | Brazil, Peru, Bolivia (imported) |
| Sustainability | Domestically harvested, no deforestation | Contributes to tropical deforestation |
| Janka Hardness | 1,700 lbf | 3,680 lbf |
| Workability | Works with standard tools | Dulls blades, requires pre-drilling |
| Aesthetic Aging | Natural silver-gray patina, no maintenance | Grays unevenly without annual oiling |
| Price Per Linear Foot | Comparable to Ipe | Comparable to Black Locust |
| 20-Year Cost of Ownership | Low — no maintenance costs | High — oiling, refinishing, replacement |
| Brand & Accountability | Black Locust Lumber — 25 years, family owned | Commodity import — no single brand accountability |

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### Black Locust vs. Accoya (Chemically Modified Wood)
**URL**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/comparison/black-locust-vs-accoya

Accoya has strong sustainability credentials and a confident 50-year warranty — but Accoya has only existed commercially since the early 2000s. The longest any real Accoya deck has been in service is roughly 20 years; its 50-year claim is a projection from accelerated laboratory testing. Black Locust doesn't need a projection — it has 100+ years of fence posts driven into Appalachian ground, untreated, still standing.

**Where Accoya has a genuine edge:** Dimensional stability. The acetylation process reduces shrinkage and swelling far more than any natural hardwood, including Black Locust. For projects where tight gaps and minimal seasonal movement are critical (large unbroken deck surfaces, extreme humidity swing areas), that stability is a genuine advantage.

| Category | Black Locust | Accoya |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Naturally durable hardwood | Chemically modified softwood |
| Base Species | Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) | Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) |
| Janka Hardness | 1,700 lbf | ~710 lbf (modestly improved by acetylation) |
| Chemical Modification | None | Acetylation with acetic anhydride |
| Production Process | Sawn, air dried, finished | Industrial acetylation at production facility |
| Origin | United States — Appalachian Mountains | Plantation pine; processed in Netherlands or Tennessee |
| Real-World Track Record | 100+ years of observed field performance | ~20 years — 50-year claim is lab projection |
| Warranty | 50-year above ground / 25-year at or below grade | 50-year above ground / 25-year in ground |
| Dimensional Stability | Good — natural hardwood movement | Exceptional — engineered low movement |
| Aesthetic Aging | Golden-yellow weathering to silver-gray patina | Pale yellow; designed to be coated or pre-dyed |
| Sustainability Credential | Domestic, unmodified, fully traceable | FSC certified, Cradle to Cradle Gold |
| Brand & Accountability | Black Locust Lumber — 25 years, family owned | Accsys (Accoya brand) — Netherlands HQ |

**Full comparison page**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/features/compare-decking-products

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## Technical Resources

- **Decking Specification Sheet (PDF)**: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65faa6cc1a34b9fe3fa2528b/6855303d1d115f35e0db134c_BLL_Decking_tech_sheet.pdf
- **Premium Grade Lumber Criteria (PDF)**: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6564716d6a25c007b53ef002/68552f56201b0532b6192c6f_PREMIUM%20GRADE%20LUMBER%20CRITERIA.docx.pdf
- **Air Drying Guide (PDF)**: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6564716d6a25c007b53ef002/69e8a540cc94f1895e065e21_Air%20Drying%20%E2%80%94%20Black%20Locust%20Lumber.pdf
- **Installation Guide**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/features/installation-guide
- **Warranty Policy**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/features/warranty
- **Shipping Guide**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/shipping-guide
- **FAQ**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/features/faq

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## Company

**Founded**: Over 25 years ago; pioneered transformation of Black Locust from agricultural material to architectural-grade product.

**Founders**:
- D. Stubby Warmbold — career in forestry from Canada to urban forestry in the United States; advocate for value-adding underutilized species.
- Maria Warmbold — design and fashion background; elevated BLL into an architectural product studio.

**Operations**: Fully integrated sawmill. Appalachian-sourced timber. Processing facilities in USA and Europe to serve global project needs with reduced shipping carbon impact.

**Mission**: Elevate Black Locust — a native U.S. species long trusted by farmers for strength and durability — into the forefront of modern architectural design as a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods and synthetic composites.

**About page**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/trust/company
**Sustainability page**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/trust/sustainability
**Portfolio / Projects**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/projects
**Testimonials**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/trust/testimonials

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## Notable Projects

- **Meta Headquarters** — Menlo Park, CA (2018): Black Locust Decking
- **Toronto Harbourfront** — Toronto, ON (2023): Waterfront public space renovation using Black Locust
- **Queens Botanical Gardens** — New York City, NY: LEED Platinum; first major architectural use of Black Locust in a modern public project
- **McCormack Federal Post Office and Courthouse** — Boston, MA (2009): Black Locust Decking
- **BodyHoliday Spa** — St. Lucia: Black Locust Decking in a tropical climate application

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Does Black Locust need to be sealed or oiled?**
No. Black Locust is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and UV-driven degradation. No oils, stains, or sealers are required. The wood weathers to a silvery gray over 2–3 years, a process that does not compromise structural integrity.

**How long does Black Locust last?**
Above ground: 50+ years. In-ground contact or freshwater contact: 25+ years. This is natural durability — no chemical treatment involved.

**Is Black Locust a sustainable choice?**
Yes. It is harvested domestically from the Appalachian region, avoiding the deforestation concerns associated with tropical hardwoods. Black Locust is a nitrogen-fixing species that improves soil quality and grows rapidly relative to hardwood alternatives.

**How does Black Locust compare to composite decking?**
Black Locust is a natural hardwood with no plastics, adhesives, or petrochemical content. It is fully biodegradable at end of life. Composite decking typically contains PVC or polyethylene and cannot be composted or easily recycled.

**Can Black Locust be painted or stained?**
Yes, though most customers leave it untreated to showcase its natural beauty and leverage its inherent durability.

**What is the color change timeline?**
Freshly milled Black Locust is honey-amber to golden brown. Over 18–36 months of outdoor exposure, it weathers to a uniform silvery gray. The process is uniform and considered aesthetically desirable by most architects. To maintain the original color, a UV-stabilizing oil can be applied annually.

**What fastener system is recommended?**
For a clean, contemporary look: DeckWise Extreme S hidden fasteners with 5/32" gap spacing. For a traditional look: face screws with Black Locust wood plugs using a Drill & Drive bit.

**Is Black Locust FSC certified?**
FSC-compatible sourcing is available on request. Contact sales@bllpro.com for project-specific documentation.

**What is the fire rating?**
Class A — the highest classification under ASTM E84. Suitable for commercial, public, and wildland-urban interface (WUI) projects with strict fire code requirements.

**What sizes are available for decking?**
Standard: 5/4 x 4, 5/4 x 6 in random lengths (3–8 ft). Cut-to-length: 6, 8, 10, and 12 ft. Heavy-duty: 8/4 thicknesses available for commercial and boardwalk applications.

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## Ordering & Samples

- **Order Samples**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/category/decking-sample
- **Get a Quote / Send Inquiry**: https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/contact
- **Pricing Sheet**: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fzdrIjsXA5fdWAVRRPUloHQu9EnKBzg82-qt4T0qCsc/
- **Phone**: 888.501.0678
- **Email**: sales@bllpro.com