Black Locust

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Black Locust Deck Tiles

Black locust wood is the gold standard for sustainability. Native to North America, the black locust tree is the fastest growing hardwood, reaching maturity as a lumber-producing tree in 20-40 years on average. Black locust boasts many qualities of ipe hardwood without the problems. Similar to ipe, black locust resists moisture and insects, is durable and has a very long life. But the similarities diverge when it comes to the environment. HDG Black Locust Deck Tiles do not contribute to tropical deforestation and the destruction of the environment.

Black Locust Deck Tiles are made with the strongest and most rot-resistant wood indigenous to North America. It is 25% harder than white oak so it will hold up well in commercial applications with high pedestrian traffic. The color of Black Locust Deck Tiles ranges from golden to brown though they can be stained or painted. Black Locust Deck Tiles are low maintenance requiring only the application of manufacturer-recommended oil every 1 to 5 years, depending on the environment.

Outdoor Image of Tybee Island Marine Science Center Courtesy of West Construction Company opt
Black Locust Deck Tiles Installed in Herringbone Pattern

Did You Know?

Black Locust has exceptional reforesting characteristics.

Black Locust trees are used in land reclamation projects around the world. Demolished coal mines and industrial sites have been successfully planted with Black Locust, transforming wasteland into productive sites once again.

Learn More About Black Locust

If you have questions about Black Locust beyond what is shown here, please contact us.

Where does the black locust timber grow that HDG uses?

Black Locust actually grows in all 50 states, we get much of ours from the Appalachian Mountains and Midwest.

Where does milling occur?

Milling occurs in Alabama and then product is shipped out of Alabama and North Carolina.

Where are HDG Black Locust Pavers built?

HDG Black Locust Pavers are built both in Alabama and North Carolina.

What does it mean that Black Locust has excellent reforesting characteristics?

Black Locus trees are self-propagating with underground shoots. Dense plantings of Black Locust are quickly and easily replenished, contributing to its long-term sustainability.

Will untreated Black Locust obtain that silvery patina color?

When first installed, Black Locust will have a yellow to light brown appearance. It can be stained to enhance its natural color or darkened as desired. If untreated, the wood will achieve a silvery patina color.

Black Locust Characteristics:

  • Black locust wood is heavy, strong, and durable
  • Hardest tree in North America, 25% harder than white oak
  • Strength – 10,180 Max Crushing Strength (MCS) and 1,700 Janka
  • Its strength is due to high lignin content
  • Fastest growing hardwood
  • Reduces demand on tropical rainforests
  • Native to North America
  • Shrinks little upon drying
  • Appearance is tight grained and offers excellent details
  • Color is golden to brown
  • Untreated, the wood will achieve a silvery patina color
  • With annual oiling the color will maintain richness
  • Naturally rot-, decay-, mildew-, and insect-resistant
  • Resistant to fire (rated Class A by NFPA)
  • Suitable for outdoor projects in all climates
  • 3-5 times the life of most other decking materials

Black Locust Hardwood Decking Tiles

These pre-finished and pre-assembled deck tiles are constructed from black locust sustainable wood and 305 stainless steel screws. These load-bearing structural pavers offer a unique combination of benefits unmatched by other wood-pavers. They are water-resistant, rot-resistant, fire-resistant, extremely durable and stable, and require little maintenance. Projects that use black locust wood enjoy long life spans comparable to projects that use ipe hardwood.

Suitable for both small or large residential and high-traffic commercial applications, HDG Black Locust Structural Pavers offer exceptional flexibility in landscape design as they can be installed with Buzon adjustable height pedestals on elevated decks over:

  • Waterproof membranes on sloped roofs
  • Compacted sand or gravel
  • Hard, level surfaces such as concrete

Black Locust Pavers Have Kerf Slots for Buzon BC-Fasteners

Advantages of HDG Black Locust Deck Tiles:

  • Light-weight (~5 lbs/sf)
  • Approximately 21 pounds per 2 x 2 Deck Tile
  • Class-A fire-rating
  • Superior strength and impact resistance
  • Resistant to attack by decay fungi and termites
  • Wood components are oil treated on all sides
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Quick and easy install
  • Lighter and easier to handle than concrete pavers
  • Removable and reusable
  • Source from sustainable forests in USA
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Smooth and cool feel under foot
  • Lighter natural color does not retain excess heat the way darker woods do (See Solar Reflective Index Primer)
Urban Rooftop Retreat with Black Locust Deck Tiles

HDG Black Locust
Deck Tile Bottom Slats

HDG Black Locust Deck Tile Bottom Slats true white

HDG Black Locust
Deck Tile Top Slats

HDG Black Locust Deck Tile Top Slats-true white

Sizes and Finishes Available:

  • Nominal 2′ x 2′
  • Actual Size 23-7/8” x 23-7/8″ x 1-5/8”
  • Milling s4s/e6e
  • Smooth finish

Help and Resources

Do you have a project that would benefit from Black Locust Deck Tiles? Order Samples by calling (503) 360-9551 or Click.

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