Honey Locust Lumber Benefits (5 Expert Uses For Durability)

Honey Locust Lumber Benefits: 5 Expert Uses for Durability (and a Deep Dive into Cost)

Let’s face it, diving into the world of lumber can feel like navigating a dense forest. There are so many species, grades, and opinions swirling around that it’s easy to get lost in the woods, especially when trying to understand the costs involved. Today, we’re going to shed some light on a truly remarkable wood: Honey Locust. We’ll explore its incredible durability and five expert uses where it truly shines, and we’ll break down the often-opaque costs associated with acquiring and working with this exceptional lumber. My aim is to make this information accessible, practical, and even a little fun. After all, who doesn’t love a good wood project with a solid foundation of knowledge?

I’ve spent years milling, drying, and working with various types of wood, from the ubiquitous pine to the exotic hardwoods. Honey Locust has always held a special place in my heart due to its unique properties and inherent strength. I’ve seen it withstand the test of time in outdoor furniture, fence posts, and even structural beams. I’ve also learned firsthand how crucial understanding the cost factors is to any project, whether you’re building a simple garden bench or a complex timber frame structure. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started.

Understanding Honey Locust: A Durable Gem

Honey Locust ( Gleditsia triacanthos) is a deciduous tree native to North America. While often considered a nuisance due to its aggressive growth and thorny branches (especially the triacanthos variety, which means “three-thorned”), the wood itself is a hidden gem. It’s a hard, dense hardwood with a distinctive grain pattern that ranges from straight to interlocked, often exhibiting beautiful figuring.

Why is Honey Locust So Durable?

Natural Rot Resistance: This is perhaps the biggest draw. Honey Locust heartwood is naturally resistant to decay, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications. This resistance comes from extractives within the wood that act as natural preservatives.
High Density and Hardness: Honey Locust boasts impressive density and hardness ratings. Its Janka hardness (a measure of resistance to denting and wear) typically falls between 1400-1600 lbf (pounds-force), placing it in the same league as White Oak and Hickory. This makes it resistant to wear and tear, ideal for high-traffic areas.
Dimensional Stability: While no wood is perfectly stable, Honey Locust exhibits good dimensional stability, meaning it’s less likely to warp, twist, or crack with changes in humidity. This is crucial for projects that will be exposed to varying weather conditions.
Insect Resistance: The same extractives that make Honey Locust rot-resistant also offer some resistance to insect attack, although it’s not impervious to all pests.
Strength: Honey Locust is a strong wood with good bending strength and stiffness, making it suitable for structural applications.

5 Expert Uses Where Honey Locust Shines

Now that we know why Honey Locust is so durable, let’s explore five expert uses where these qualities are put to best use:

1. Outdoor Furniture: Enduring Elegance

Honey Locust is an exceptional choice for outdoor furniture. Its natural rot resistance means you can leave your Adirondack chairs or picnic tables out in the elements without worrying about them rotting away. The wood’s hardness also makes it resistant to scratches and dents, ensuring your furniture will look good for years to come.

Example: I once built a set of benches for a local park using Honey Locust. Ten years later, they still look fantastic, with minimal signs of wear despite constant use and exposure to the elements.
Data Point: A study by the Forest Products Laboratory found that Honey Locust’s decay resistance in ground contact is comparable to that of treated lumber in many applications.

2. Fence Posts: A Long-Lasting Barrier

Forget pressure-treated lumber! Honey Locust fence posts offer a natural and sustainable alternative. Their natural rot resistance means they can last for decades in direct contact with the ground.

Example: My neighbor replaced his old, decaying pine fence posts with Honey Locust posts. He estimates they’ll last at least 30 years, significantly longer than the pine posts they replaced.
Data Point: Historically, Honey Locust was a popular choice for fence posts in rural areas before the widespread availability of treated lumber. Farmers knew its durability firsthand.

3. Decking: A Sturdy and Beautiful Surface

While not as commonly used as composite decking or pressure-treated lumber, Honey Locust makes a stunning and durable decking material. Its hardness and rot resistance make it ideal for high-traffic areas and exposure to the elements.

Considerations: Proper installation and finishing are crucial to maximize the lifespan of Honey Locust decking. Ensure proper drainage and use a high-quality sealant to protect the wood from moisture.
Data Point: While specific data on Honey Locust decking is limited, anecdotal evidence from homeowners suggests it can last for 20+ years with proper maintenance.

4. Timber Framing: Structural Integrity with Natural Beauty

Honey Locust’s strength and dimensional stability make it a viable option for timber framing, especially for smaller structures like sheds, barns, or pergolas. Its unique grain patterns add a touch of natural beauty to the structural elements.

Example: I know a craftsman who used Honey Locust timbers to build a stunning outdoor pergola. The wood’s strength allowed for a relatively lightweight design, while its natural beauty added a rustic charm.
Data Point: Honey Locust’s bending strength and stiffness are comparable to those of other commonly used timber framing species like Douglas Fir and White Oak.

5. Flooring: A Durable and Unique Interior Choice

While perhaps an unconventional choice, Honey Locust flooring offers a unique combination of durability and beauty. Its hardness makes it resistant to scratches and dents, ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.

Considerations: Honey Locust flooring can be more expensive than other options. Proper sealing and finishing are essential to protect the wood from moisture and wear.
Data Point: While specific data on Honey Locust flooring is limited, its Janka hardness rating suggests it would perform similarly to other popular hardwood flooring species like Maple and Oak.

The Nitty-Gritty: Understanding Honey Locust Lumber Costs

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks: the cost. This is where things can get tricky, as the price of Honey Locust lumber can vary significantly depending on several factors. Unlike common lumber like pine or oak, Honey Locust isn’t always readily available at big-box stores. This scarcity can drive up the price.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Honey Locust Lumber:

Availability: As mentioned, Honey Locust isn’t as widely available as other lumber species. This limited supply can increase demand and, consequently, the price.
Location: Prices can vary significantly depending on your location. Areas where Honey Locust grows natively are likely to have lower prices than areas where it needs to be shipped.
Grade: Lumber is graded based on its appearance and structural integrity. Higher grades with fewer knots and imperfections will command a higher price.
Thickness and Dimensions: Thicker and wider boards will generally be more expensive than thinner and narrower boards.
Kiln Drying vs. Air Drying: Kiln-dried lumber is more stable and less prone to warping, but it also tends to be more expensive than air-dried lumber.
Source: Purchasing directly from a sawmill or local supplier can often be more cost-effective than buying from a retail lumberyard.
Market Fluctuations: Like all commodities, lumber prices are subject to market fluctuations based on supply and demand.
Harvesting and Processing Costs: The cost of harvesting, milling, and drying Honey Locust logs will be factored into the final price of the lumber. This includes labor, equipment, and energy costs.
Transportation Costs: If the lumber needs to be transported over long distances, transportation costs will add to the overall price.

Breaking Down the Cost Components: A Hypothetical Example

Let’s imagine you’re planning to build a Honey Locust picnic table. Here’s a breakdown of the potential cost components:

Timber Purchase (or Harvesting Costs):
- Scenario 1: Purchasing Lumber: You need 8 board feet of Honey Locust lumber for the tabletop and legs. Let’s assume the lumber costs $8-$12 per board foot (this is a very rough estimate, and you’ll need to get quotes from local suppliers).
- Cost: 8 board feet x $10/board foot (average) = $80
- Scenario 2: Harvesting Your Own: You have access to a Honey Locust tree that you can harvest. This eliminates the lumber purchase cost, but introduces new costs:
  - Permits (if required): Varies depending on location. Let’s assume $25.
  - Chainsaw Rental (if you don’t own one): $50 per day.
  - Fuel and Oil for Chainsaw: $20.
  - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Assuming you already have basic PPE (helmet, eye protection, ear protection), but you might need new chainsaw chaps ($100).
  - Time: Your time is valuable! Let’s estimate 8 hours of labor at a rate of $25/hour (this is a very conservative estimate).
  - Cost: $25 (permit) + $50 (chainsaw rental) + $20 (fuel/oil) + $100 (chaps) + (8 hours x $25/hour) = $395
- Insight: Harvesting your own lumber can seem cheaper, but it involves significant time, effort, and potential risks. Factor in your time and expertise carefully.
Milling Costs (if applicable):
- If you harvest your own logs, you’ll need to mill them into lumber. You can either do this yourself with a portable sawmill or hire a local sawmill.
- Scenario 1: Portable Sawmill Rental: Renting a portable sawmill can cost around $200-$400 per day.
  - Cost: $300 (average rental cost) + $50 (fuel/oil) + 8 hours labor at $25/hr = $550
- Scenario 2: Hiring a Local Sawmill: Sawmills typically charge by the board foot or by the hour. Let’s assume they charge $0.50 per board foot.
  - Cost: 8 board feet x $0.50/board foot = $4 (This is unrealistically low. Sawmill costs would be significantly higher for custom milling). It would be more realistic to expect a minimum charge of $50 – $100 even for a small quantity.
- Insight: Milling your own lumber is a significant undertaking. Hiring a professional sawmill is often the more cost-effective option, especially for small projects.
Drying Costs:
- Honey Locust needs to be properly dried before it can be used for furniture. This can be done through air drying or kiln drying.
- Scenario 1: Air Drying: Air drying takes time (typically several months to a year), but it’s the most cost-effective option.
  - Cost: Minimal (cost of stickers for stacking the lumber, plus the value of the space the lumber occupies). Let’s estimate $20.
- Scenario 2: Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is faster (typically a few weeks), but it’s also more expensive.
  - Cost: Kiln drying typically costs around $0.50-$1.00 per board foot. 8 board feet x $0.75/board foot (average) = $6
- Insight: Air drying is a great option if you have the time and space. Kiln drying is faster and more reliable, but it comes at a cost.
Tool Costs:
- You’ll need various tools to build your picnic table, including a saw, drill, sander, and measuring tools. Let’s assume you already have these tools.
- Consumables: You’ll need sandpaper, screws, and other consumables. Let’s estimate $30.
Finishing Costs:
- You’ll need to apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Let’s assume you’re using a high-quality exterior sealant.
- Cost: $40 for a quart of sealant.
Labor Costs:
- This is where things get tricky. If you’re doing the work yourself, you might not assign a specific dollar value to your labor. However, it’s important to consider the value of your time.
- Scenario 1: DIY: You spend 20 hours building the picnic table. If you value your time at $25/hour, that’s $500 worth of labor.
- Scenario 2: Hiring a Professional: A professional woodworker might charge $50-$100 per hour. Building a picnic table could take them 10-15 hours, resulting in a labor cost of $500-$1500.
- Insight: Labor costs can be a significant factor in the overall cost of your project. DIY can save you money, but it requires time and skill.

Total Cost Summary:

Purchasing Lumber: $80 (lumber) + $20 (drying – air dry) + $30 (consumables) + $40 (finish) + $500 (DIY labor) = $670
Harvesting Your Own (Air Dried): $395 (harvesting) + $4 (milling – unrealistic) + $20 (drying) + $30 (consumables) + $40 (finish) + $500 (DIY labor) = $989

Important Considerations:

These are just estimates. Actual costs may vary significantly.
This example assumes you’re doing the work yourself. Hiring a professional will significantly increase the cost.
This example doesn’t include the cost of mistakes! Be prepared to buy extra lumber in case you make errors.

Benchmarks and Statistical Data:

Average Price of Hardwood Lumber: The average price of hardwood lumber varies widely depending on the species, grade, and location. As of late 2023, prices ranged from $4 to $15 per board foot for common hardwoods like Oak and Maple. Honey Locust, being less common, would likely fall on the higher end of this range. (Source: Hardwood Review, a leading industry publication).
Average Cost of Chainsaw Rental: The average cost of renting a chainsaw is $40-$60 per day. (Source: Home Depot Rental and Sunbelt Rentals websites).
Average Labor Rate for Woodworkers: The average hourly rate for professional woodworkers ranges from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on experience and location. (Source: Salary.com and Payscale.com).
Firewood Market Rates: While not directly related to lumber, understanding firewood prices can provide context for the value of wood. The average price per cord of firewood in the US is $200-$400, depending on the species and location. (Source: Various local firewood suppliers).

Tips for Cost Optimization and Budget Management:

Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple lumber suppliers to compare prices.
Consider Lower Grades: If appearance isn’t critical, consider using lower grades of lumber, which are typically less expensive.
Buy in Bulk: If you have a large project, buying lumber in bulk can often save you money.
Harvest Your Own Lumber (with Caution): Harvesting your own lumber can save you money, but it requires time, effort, and expertise. Be sure to factor in all the associated costs.
Air Dry Your Lumber: Air drying is the most cost-effective way to dry lumber, but it takes time.
Use Recycled or Reclaimed Lumber: If you’re looking for a sustainable and cost-effective option, consider using recycled or reclaimed lumber.
Plan Carefully: Careful planning can help you avoid mistakes and minimize waste.
DIY (if you have the skills): Doing the work yourself can save you a significant amount of money on labor costs.
Prioritize Durability: Investing in durable materials like Honey Locust can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with lumber suppliers, especially if you’re buying in bulk.
Factor in Contingency: Always add a contingency to your budget to cover unexpected costs. I typically add 10-15% for contingency.

Relevant Calculations and Formulas:

Board Foot Calculation: A board foot is a unit of volume equal to 144 cubic inches. It’s typically used to measure lumber. The formula for calculating board feet is:
- (Thickness in inches x Width in inches x Length in feet) / 12
- Example: A board that is 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 8 feet long is (1 x 12 x 8) / 12 = 8 board feet.
  1. Research Local Suppliers: Start by researching local lumber suppliers and sawmills in your area. Get quotes for Honey Locust lumber in the dimensions you need.
  2. Assess Your Skills: Be honest about your woodworking skills. If you’re not comfortable with certain tasks, consider hiring a professional.
  3. Develop a Detailed Plan: Create a detailed plan for your project, including a materials list, a cutting list, and a step-by-step construction guide.
  4. Create a Realistic Budget: Use the information in this article to create a realistic budget for your project. Be sure to factor in all the costs, including lumber, tools, consumables, and labor.
  5. Start Small: If you’re new to woodworking, start with a small project to gain experience and build your confidence.
  6. Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize safety when working with wood. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow safe work practices.
  7. Embrace the Learning Process: Woodworking is a lifelong learning process. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from your experiences.
  Final Thoughts
  Honey Locust lumber offers a unique combination of durability, beauty, and sustainability. While it may not be the cheapest option, its long-lasting performance and natural rot resistance can make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor projects and other applications where durability is paramount. By carefully planning your project, budgeting wisely, and following the tips in this article, you can unlock the hidden potential of Honey Locust lumber and create projects that will last for generations. Remember, knowledge is power, and with a little effort, you can navigate the complexities of lumber costs and bring your woodworking visions to life. Happy woodworking!

Honey Locust Lumber Benefits (5 Expert Uses for Durability)