Honey Locust, scientifically known as Gleditsia triacanthos, is a hardwood species native to the central and eastern United States. While the wild variety is known for its large, sharp thorns, the wood possesses attributes that make it highly desirable for specific applications. This article explores the qualities of Honey Locust wood, its typical uses, and the market dynamics that determine its commercial worth.
Physical Characteristics and Durability
Honey Locust wood is a dense and strong hardwood, with mechanical properties often compared to those of Red Oak. It is ring-porous, featuring large pores in the early growth ring that transition abruptly to smaller pores in the latewood, creating a coarse and distinct grain pattern similar to oak. The heartwood is typically a medium to light reddish-brown, while the sapwood is a contrasting light yellow or white.
Honey Locust averages a Janka hardness rating of around 1,580 pounds-force (lbf). This rating makes it significantly harder than common hardwoods like Red Oak (1,290 lbf) and Hard Maple (1,450 lbf), contributing to its exceptional durability. This high density also results in low shrinkage, meaning the wood is relatively stable once seasoned.
The wood’s natural resistance to decay and rot is a significant attribute, often rated as moderately durable to very resistant, especially in the heartwood. This natural defense, coupled with its toughness, historically made it a popular choice for ground-contact applications. Although the sapwood is susceptible to insect attack, the heartwood’s robust nature ensures longevity in demanding environments.
Typical Applications and Market Demand
The durability and strength of Honey Locust wood make it suitable for applications requiring resistance to impact and decay. Historically, its resilience led to widespread use for railroad ties and fence posts, particularly where the tree was locally abundant. The wood’s ability to withstand exposure also makes it a strong candidate for exterior deck components and utility lumber.
In more refined settings, the attractive appearance and hardness of the wood meet the demands of high-end interior woodworking. Its beautiful, coarse grain and reddish-brown color are well-suited for fine furniture, custom cabinetry, and architectural millwork. Honey Locust is also used for hardwood flooring, providing a surface that can endure heavy foot traffic without showing wear as quickly as softer species.
Specialty woodworkers favor the wood for turning blanks and tool handles due to its density and ability to machine well despite its hardness. Because its mechanical properties mirror those of Red Oak, it can often be substituted for this more common species in construction and decorative projects. However, the lack of a widely established wholesale market means it is often reserved for custom, higher-value uses.
Factors Affecting Commercial Worth
The commercial worth of Honey Locust wood is influenced by physical properties, market availability, and processing challenges. While the wood is of high quality, its status as a secondary market wood, rather than a widely stocked commodity, limits its overall trade volume. The absence of established wholesale price reporting means that pricing is often regional and based on a specialty item schedule.
When available, Honey Locust lumber often commands a mid-to-upper-tier price point among domestic hardwoods, making it potentially more expensive than widely available options like Red Oak or Maple. This increased cost is partly due to the high density of the wood, which can be difficult to mill. Furthermore, logs from the wild, thorny variety introduce additional processing time and risk, increasing the milling cost for sawmills.
The distinction between the heartwood and sapwood significantly affects the final value. The decay-resistant heartwood is significantly more desirable than the less-durable sapwood. Because sawlog quality trees are relatively scarce, Honey Locust is often sought out by woodworkers willing to pay a premium for its unique characteristics. Ultimately, the wood’s commercial value is high for custom, local, and specialized projects, but its limited availability prevents it from becoming a mainstream, lower-cost commodity.