Robinia
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeThe trees can grow to a height of 24m to 27m. The bole is often twisted or fluted with a diameter of 0.6m to 1m. In continental Europe the trees are often coppiced, providing smaller, fast grown sections. Older, larger trees often have a rotten heart.
The TimberThe sapwood is narrow and clearly defined from the heartwood which is greenish in colour when freshly cut, turning golden-brown after drying. The timber is heavy and hard, although the texture is coarse due to the contrast between porous earlywood and dense latewood. The grain is usually straight.
DryingSlow to dry with a marked tendancy to distort.
StrengthComparable to oak in general strength properties and similar to ash in toughness.
Working QualitiesMedium - difficult, due to the contrast in soft earlywood and hard latewood bands. A good finish can be achieved but it is difficult to nail.
Latin NameRobinia pseudoacacia
Also known asFalse acacia (UK), Black locust (USA)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityExtremely Difficult
Moisture-
TextureCoarse
OriginEurope, New Zealand
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
