June 21st, 2011
Our highlighted material this week is Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Native to the Southeastern United States but widely planted in the eastern half of the country, Black Locust grows very rapidly and easily reaches 60′ tall. Spreading naturally through underground stems, Black Locust, when cut, will send up shoots that grow into new trees. Based upon this growth habit it is one of the most sustainable woods you can use.
We are now providing Black Locust milled lumber which is FSC Certified. A wonderful alternative to tropical hardwoods, the Rainforest Alliance promotes it as one of the most preferred alternatives to tropical hardwoods in outdoor applications. A reduced carbon footprint is an added benefit.
Locust wood is very heavy, very hard, and exceedingly strong with a Janka Hardness Rating superior to White Oak. Highly resistant to rot because of natural extractive compounds that impart water resistance and have antifungal properties, Locust will last 50+ years without significant decay. This makes it a great alternative to chemically treated lumber and tropical woods.
Equally suited for decking, furniture, paneling, and siding as well as fencing, Black Locust is an extremely versatile wood. Please review these images and let your imagination think of uses for this wonderful material in your upcoming projects.
Black Locust Split Rail Fencing
Another use for this species is for fine split rail fencing. American Chestnut was the species of choice for this type of fencing until it was decimated after the turn of the century. Since that time, Black Locust has been the preferred substitute. A wonderful rustic elegant way to define property and create a timeless character on estates, farms and ranch properties, Locust fencing has the advantage of extreme rot resistance and strength when compared to Western Red Cedar.
We can supply this material in large or small quantities with significant saving on larger orders. Please note the different ways in which this material can be configured. I especially enjoy the tumbled rock wall with split rail cap.
May 5th, 2011
The photo above shows a recent installation in one of our ranch projects. These unique timbers were sawn or hewn to function as heavy floor joists in 100 year old barns. Because they were laid flat, only the wide faces were “dressed” leaving the original log surface on the sides. Advantages resulting from their function is that when turned vertically they have virtually no wane and because they were not part of main timber frame they have little or no mortise pocketing. This material lends itself well to “elegant rustic” styles.
A wonderful choice for more informal projects, beams can be used flat as originally intended (at right) or set vertically to play up their irregular appearance as in photo above. Sizes on larger timbers are 8″ (+/-) thick and 12″ up to 14″ wide. Smaller beams are available 8″ (+/-) thick and approx 10″ wide.
The timbers at right are decked with Eastern White Pine slabs which we can provide as straight edge or bark edge in widths up to 24″. It doesn’t get more authentic than that!
As you can see in photos below we have access to a great selection and can satisfy fairly long lengths. Again, these are all 100 year old Oak and are sold pressure washed to patina finish, de-nailed, treated for insects and kiln dried (on lengths up to 20′-0″). Please contact us with any inquiries.
October 20th, 2009
The Janka scale rates the relative hardness of wood. We have listed some of the most popular choices in wood flooring and included some more exotic species for your reference and comparison.
The higher the number, the harder the wood. These ratings were determined using the Janka Hardness Test which measures the side hardness measure of the force required to embed a .444 inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood. This is one of the best measures of the ability of wood species to withstand denting and wear. It is also a good indicator of how hard a species is to saw or nail.
This should only be used as a general guide when comparing various species of wood flooring. Depending on where the wood is harvested the results may vary. Plank construction and finish are also important factors when determining the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor.
JANKA RATING – WOOD SPECIES (Hardest to Softest)
3684 Brazilian Walnut /Ipe
2345 Mesquite
1820 Hickory and Pecan
1450 Hard / Sugar Maple
1360 White Oak
1320 White Ash
1300 American Beech
1290 Northern Red Oak
1260 Yellow Birch
1225 Yellow Heart Pine
1010 American Walnut
1000 Teak
950 American Cherry
900 Cedar
870 Southern Yellow Pine (Longleaf)
860 American Red Elm
770 Sycamore
690 S.Yellow Pine (Loblolly & Shortleaf)
660 Douglas Fir
540 Chestnut
540 Poplar
380 Eastern White Pine
January 19th, 2009
Bamboo flooring is becoming more popular as a sustainable and “green” alternative to wood materials. Is bamboo better? Treehugger.com explains:
Tipster Brad installed a bamboo floor and says “The environmental benefits are great, but the flooring itself is awful”. We have had mixed experiences with it ourselves and decided to look more closely.
Before we look at the environmental issues, let’s look at its utility- is it all it is cracked up to be? One of the major benefits touted by vendors is how hard and tough it is. It’s Not.
read more »
January 15th, 2009
New Kiln Dried Eastern White Pine Timbers milled to your specifications
New Kiln Dried Douglas Fir Timbers – #1 and Select Grades. KD Southern Yellow Pine also available at very competitive pricing.
Factory milled decorative cuts and finishes are available on Kiln Dried Products
[Read more »]
January 12th, 2009
Antique wood has many advantages over traditional building materials. Check out our list of reasons to consider antique timbers for your next project! [Read more »]
