Black Locust Decking and Siding

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We have gone to contract for the finish carpentry portion of the project and are hopefully working out the final details of the 5th level exterior deck scope today. I appreciate the clarity you have provided thus far, I wish everyone could be so detailed!

Christopher Martin
Estimating, Master Millwork

Black Locust Decking and Siding

Black Locust decking and siding offer a durable, sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods. This fast-growing North American hardwood is valued for its strength and natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it well suited for demanding exterior applications.

With distinctive grain and color variation, Black Locust combines lasting performance with natural beauty. Available in multiple dimensions and custom-milled profiles, it offers versatile options for residential and commercial projects.

Black Locust Characteristics

  • North American hardwood grown throughout the contiguous United States
  • Naturally durable, with exceptional resistance to rot and decay
  • Strong and long-lasting for demanding exterior applications
  • Class A fire-rated
  • Responsibly sourced from a fast-growing, renewable resource
  • Distinctive grain and color variation for natural visual character
  • A cost-effective alternative to many tropical hardwoods
  • Available in multiple dimensions and custom-milled profiles

Black Locust Decking

Black Locust decking is well suited for residential and commercial decks, pool surrounds, boardwalks, and long-lasting fencing. Available in solid and finger-jointed boards, multiple widths and lengths, and standard surfaced or pre-grooved options, it offers flexibility for a wide range of projects.
Black Locust lumber is also available for cladding and other project-specific applications.

Black Locust Decking Specifications

5/4 Decking: Select & Better grade, kiln-dried to 12%, S4S/E4E or pre-grooved.

  • 5/4 × 6: 1″ × 5½″ actual; 24″ OC; 3′–12′ lengths.
  • 5/4 × 5 finger-jointed: 15/16″ × 4½″ actual; 16″ OC; 8′–20′ lengths.
  • 5/4 × 4: 1″ × 3½″ actual; 24″ OC; 3′–12′ lengths.

1× Decking & Cladding: Select & Better grade, kiln-dried to 12%, S4S/E4E; 16″ OC.

  • 1 × 6: 13/16″ × 5½″ actual; 3′–12′ lengths.
  • 1 × 5: 13/16″ × 4½″ actual; 3′–12′ lengths.
  • 1 × 4: 13/16″ × 3½″ actual; 3′–12′ lengths.
  • 1 × 3 cladding: 13/16″ × 2½″ actual; 1′–8′ lengths.

2× Lumber: #1 Common grade, kiln-dried to 12%, S4S/E4E; 32″ OC; 3′–12′ lengths.

  • 2 × 6: 1½″ × 5½″ actual.
  • 2 × 4: 1½″ × 3½″ actual.

OC = on center. S4S/E4E = surfaced four sides/eased four edges.

Stack of custom 3 × 6 Black Locust lumber prepared for a boardwalk project.
Hotel rooftop terrace featuring Black Locust decking, porcelain pavers, built-in wood benches, and glass railings.

Black Locust Decking Over Pedestals

Black Locust decking can be installed over slope-correcting, height-adjustable Buzon pedestals using HDG Universal Aluminum Joists.

Joist supports attach to the pedestal heads, creating a stable framework for the decking boards. This system provides an option for elevated decks and rooftop terraces where adjustable height and drainage beneath the finished surface are important.

Black Locust is naturally durable outdoors, while aluminum joists offer a rot-resistant alternative to traditional wood framing. Together, they can help create a long-lasting deck assembly.

HDG Universal Aluminum Joist

Explore the HDG Universal Aluminum Joist collateral for technical specifications, load capacities, and accessories, including L-brackets, U-clips, and EPDM shims.

HDG Universal Aluminum Joist brochure
Universal Aluminum Joist grid over Buzon Pedestals on Rooftop Deck

Black Locust Deck Tiles

For elevated terraces, rooftop decks, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces, HDG also offers pre-assembled Black Locust Deck Tiles. Made from naturally durable Black Locust hardwood with stainless steel fasteners, these structural wood pavers combine long-lasting performance with a refined, natural appearance.
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All About Black Locust Deck Tiles

Designed for installation over Buzon adjustable-height pedestals or other suitable, stable surfaces, the tiles are ideal for residential projects and demanding commercial environments.

Explore Black Locust Deck Tiles to see product specifications, installation options, finishes, and project examples.

Balcony Uses Black Locust Deck Tiles Over Buzon Pedestals to Create Outdoor Living Space

Black Locust Decking Applications

Black Locust & Sassafras Siding

Black Locust and Sassafras bring natural warmth, character, and durability to exterior and interior applications. Use these hardwood boards for siding, ceilings, soffits, accent walls, and trim as an alternative to synthetic materials.

Standard siding profiles include V-Groove and Nickel Gap. A ⅜″ Micro Bevel profile is also available for interior applications.

Custom milling is available for trim, window surrounds, and other project-specific applications.

Common Applications

  • Exterior siding
  • Interior walls and accent walls
  • Ceiling boards and soffits
  • Window and door trim
  • Fascia
Custom lake house in Groton, Massachusetts, with Black Locust V-Groove siding and decking.

Black Locust Siding Specifications

All siding is Select & Better grade, kiln-dried to 12% moisture content, and available in V-Groove or Nickel Gap profiles.

Black Locust Siding Profiles:

  • 1 × 6: ¾″ × 5¼″ face; 2′–12′ lengths
  • 1 × 5: ¾″ × 4¼″ face; 2′–12′ lengths
  • 1 × 5 finger-jointed: ¾″ × 4″ face; 8′–20′ lengths
  • 1 × 4: ¾″ × 3¼″ face; 2′–12′ lengths
  • Micro Bevel: ⅜″ thick, various widths; 1′–8′ lengths; interior use only
Upscale home featuring Sassafras 1 × 5 Nickel Gap siding with Robi Blend finish.

Sassafras Siding Specifications

All siding is Select & Better grade, kiln-dried to 12% moisture content, and available in V-Groove or Nickel Gap profiles.

Sassafras Siding Profiles:

  • 1 × 6: ¾″ × 5¼″ face; 2′–12′ lengths
  • 1 × 5: ¾″ × 4¼″ face; 2′–12′ lengths
  • 1 × 4: ¾″ × 3¼″ face; 2′–12′ lengths
  • Micro Bevel: ⅜″ thick, various widths; 1′–12′ lengths; interior use only

Black Locust & Sassafras Siding Applications

Need Pricing or Samples on Black Locust products?

Contact HDG Building Materials to discuss your requirements, request samples, or get a project-specific takeoff and quote. Call 503.360.9551 or contact us to get started.

Factory-Applied Finishes for Decking & Siding

Factory finishing is available for Black Locust and Sassafras decking and siding. Choose Robi Oil, Robi Blend, or Robi Patina (not shown) to have your boards professionally finished before delivery to the job site.

Robi Oil, Robi Blend, and Robi Patina are specialized, low-VOC finishes developed for Black Locust’s dense, tight-grained wood. Unlike some conventional finishes that can leave a sticky residue, these products are designed to penetrate the wood and provide weather resistance.

Black Locust wood samples finished with Robi Oil, natural finish, and Robi Blend, shown left to right.

Black Locust: Robi Oil, Natural, and Robi Blend finishes (left to right).

Sassafras wood samples finished with Robi Oil, natural finish, and Robi Blend, shown left to right.

Sassafras: Robi Oil, Natural, and Robi Blend finishes (left to right).

Black Locust and Sassafras Posts

Posts are available in Black Locust and Sassafras, with multiple sizes and milling options for fencing, outdoor structures, and other applications. Black Locust posts offer a durable alternative to tropical hardwoods.

Black Locust Posts

Black Locust is naturally durable, strong, and well suited to ground-contact applications.

Common Applications

  • Fencing and agricultural structures
  • Pergolas, playground equipment, and outdoor structures
  • Retaining walls, raised garden beds, and marine docks

Compared with pressure-treated wood, Black Locust posts offer:

  • More than 3× the strength
  • 30+ years of service in direct soil contact
  • No chemical preservatives

Black Locust Post Sizes

Surfaced Posts (S4S/E4E)

  • 4 × 4 nominal (3½″ × 3½″ actual): 4′–12′
  • 6 × 6 nominal, resawn rough (5½″ × 5½″ actual): 4′–12′

Air-dried · #1 Common grade

Rough-Sawn Posts

  • 4 × 4: 4′–12′
  • 6 × 6: 4′–16′
  • 8 × 8: 4′–16′
  • 10 × 10: 4′–16′

Air-dried · Sound Square Edge grade

Black Locust deck railing posts with a top rail and cable infill.
Built-in bench combining Black Locust wood and metal within a raised rooftop planter, with decking visible nearby.

Custom Milling & Lengths

Custom-milled or custom-sawn dimensions are available in addition to stocked sizes. Because sustainably harvested Black Locust trees tend to be smaller, longer boards are less readily available. Orders may include a mix of random lengths.

Sassafras Posts

Sassafras posts are suited to above-ground applications where a distinctive hardwood appearance is desired, including fence and handrail posts.

Sassafras Posts Sizes

  • 4 × 4 nominal: 3½″ × 3½″ actual; S4S/E4E; 4′–12′ lengths.
  • 6 × 6 nominal: 5½″ × 5½″ actual; resawn rough; 4′–12′ lengths.

Air-dried · #1 Common grade

Black Locust decking paired with Sassafras railing.

Black Locust and Sassafras Post Applications

Help & Resources

Need more product details or want to request Black locust decking, siding, or posts samples? Call 503.360.9551 or contact us.

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