Concerning the construction of fences, gates, gardens, and building outdoors, the wood used is important to most people than they think. Posts are the foundation of any out-of-ground project and failure on their part leads to the rest. That is why locust posts are also becoming the choice of homeowners, farmers, and contractors as their long-term, environmentally friendly version of traditional solutions, such as pressure treated split rail fencing.
At Black Locust Lumber, the locust posts have become known as the most durable, strong and sustainable ones, without the use of chemical treatment.
What Are Locust Posts?
Locust posts are constructed using the Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) which is a hardwood and has amazing rot, insect and moisture resistant properties. Black Locust in contrast to softwoods or chemically treated lumber has a natural compound that prevents decay, even when directly buried in the earth.
This inherent strength has seen locust posts remain a reliable option over centuries especially in agricultural fencing, pastures, vineyards and boundary lines that require a long lifespan.
The reason Locust Posts have a better performance than other Fence Posts.
Exceptional Longevity
Locust posts also have one of the greatest benefits in their longevity. Locust posts properly laid may last 30 years or more, underground in direct contact with soil. They last longer than the pressure treated split rail posts in most instances that start to rot when the chemical treatments are lost.
It is this life cycle that makes locust posts an intelligent investment whereby it will take less time to change and repair the posts.
Rot and Insect resistant naturally.
Locust posts do not beat on chemicals like the pressure-treated wood in order to put up with the decay. The tight grain and natural substances of the wood prevent termites, fungi and soft rot. This renders locust posts the best to be used in environmentally sensitive surrounding, farms, and properties where the issue of chemical run-off is taken into consideration.
High-Quality Strength and Stability.
Black Locust is considered to be one of the toughest and sturdy domestic hardwood. Locust posts stand up to warping, cracking and bending more than many others, keeping the fences in line as time passes. This strength would particularly be useful in livestock fencing, split rail systems, and high-wind areas.
Pressure Treated Split Rail vs. Locust Posts.
Whereas pressure treated split rail fencing is more numerous and cost-effective at first, it is subject to trade-offs:
The treatments that are performed with chemicals may seep into the soil.
Posts with treatment have a reduced life when compared to Black Locust.
The cost of maintenance and replacement increases.
As compared to locust posts, locust posts provide a natural option where there is no exposure to chemicals and it has a much longer service life. A large number of property owners prefer locust posts to the structural members of their fence and split rails (treated or untreated) to the horizontal members.
The mix is durable, attractive, and has less harmful effect on the environment.
Common Uses for Locust Posts
Locust posts are highly miscellaneous and can be used in a variety of out-of-doors purposes:
- Split rail fencing systems
- Fencing: Agricultural and livestock.
- Garden and raised bed boarders.
- Trellises of vineyards and orchards.
- Gates, pergolas and rustic landscaping elements.
- Fencing-boundary and perimeter.
Due to their strength, locust posts can be utilized as corner and end posts where they are mostly needed to have the greatest which is support.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits.
Locust posts are not only a good choice to make but also an environmentally sound choice. Black Locust is a hardwood that is renewable and grows fairly fast and regenerates. Locust posts do not need any chemical treatment; hence, they are safer to soil, plants, animals, and groundwater.
Sustainability is a concern at Black Locust Lumber. Our locust posts have been sourced and minimally processed in order to maintain the natural performance and beauty of the wood.
Beauty of Locust Posts.
Outside of its functionality, locust posts provide ageless and rustic appearance, which is perfectly harmonized with the natural and rural setting. Wearing over time, the wood develops a soft silver-grey colour with a patina like cedar, but it is much stronger and lasts much longer.
This naturalistic look is what makes locust posts a popular choice among house owners who want to have a natural, traditional look of a fence without losing its longevity.
Are Locust Posts Justifiable?
Although the initial price of locust posts can be somewhat higher than the conventional pressure treated ones, the value in the long run is unquestionable. Locust posts are economical in the long run in terms of fewer replacements, minimum maintenance, and decades of service.
In the case of the land owners who want a fence which will remain in use by the next generation, it is difficult to beat locust posts.
The Reason to Select Black Locust Lumber?
Black Locust Lumber focuses on superior Black Locust products to be used outdoors. Our locust posts are also properly chosen, milled, and ready to suit the standards of quality and life.
Black Locust Lumber can supply you with materials that you can rely on whether you are setting up a standard split rail fence, a replacement of pressure treated split rail systems or a tailor made outdoor project.
Final Thoughts
Locust posts are an outstanding choice in case you are interested in a fencing solution that is not only strong, long-lasting, sustainable, but also extremely beautiful in the natural way. They also have a better longevity than pressure treated split rail without being as harmful to the environment as the chemical treatments.
When purchasing Black Locust Lumber, you do not only purchase wood but invest in an eco-friendly, long-life solution that is going to withstand time.
