We just started construction of a 3000 SF custom home in Eastern Pa. There were 2 good sized Black Lucust trees on the property that we have had cut into 16' lengths and sent to a sawyer to make into dek boards for covered front porch. They will be air dried for 3 months and then klln dried to 6% moisture content. 16 feet long x 5 1/2" wide and 5/4 thick. Anyone have any experience with Black Lucust? John

Black locust trees don't get that big down here in Arkansas and are often crooked understory trees. They were often used for fence posts. Hard as concrete when dry and last as long as a steel post. Termites won't even mess with them.

jmghome,

Have you checked the current price for black locust? Around here it seems to be at a premium. Maybe there is a better use for it as trim or cabinets or furniture or...

When you say it will be kiln dried to 6% moisture content, where is the probe inserted and how long is the probe? The moisture reading must be taken at the center of the cant or board, not in the end or at the surface to get an accurate reading. And if you need an exact moisture content a laboratory analysis must be done. Refer to "The Wood Handbook" from the US Forest Service.

Because of their hardness be prepared to drill holes for the fasteners, you may get a lot of splitting if you don't.

Lots of luck with your new home!

Rich M.