Why We Love Working with Black Locust Wood at Cordrick Creations
Black Locust wood boards showing natural golden tone and fine grain used by Cordrick Creations for handcrafted coasters and décor
From Tree to Treasure: Our Passion for Black Locust
At Cordrick Creations, every piece begins with a story—of the tree, the grain, and the craft.
Among all the hardwoods we work with, Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) holds a special place in our shop. Native to North America and abundant here in Ohio, this golden-brown hardwood is as tough as it is beautiful, and it’s one of the most sustainable choices a woodworker can make.
The Beauty and Character of Black Locust
Fresh-cut Black Locust has a warm, honey-gold tone that deepens beautifully with age. Its tight, straight grain adds an understated elegance, while occasional streaks of darker brown give each piece a one-of-a-kind look.
We love how this wood engraves and finishes—when laser-cut or engraved, it develops a rich, dark contrast that highlights the fine details in our Gearworks and Webworks coaster collections. A clear matte acrylic or natural wax finish brings out its depth without hiding its natural charm.
Strength and Durability That Lasts
Black Locust is one of the hardest and most durable American hardwoods (Janka hardness around 1,700 lbf), even tougher than oak and hard maple. Its natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture makes it an outstanding material for long-lasting creations. Whether it’s a coaster, holder, or home décor piece, items crafted from Black Locust are made to stand the test of time—just like the trees they come from.
A Sustainable, Local Choice
We’re proud to always source our Black Locust locally. This fast-growing hardwood enriches the soil with nitrogen and thrives without chemical treatments. Choosing it means supporting local sawyers and reducing the environmental impact of imported exotic woods.
In every cut and engraving, we see not just the beauty of the wood but the story of responsible craftsmanship.
Why It’s Perfect for Our Creations
From a maker’s perspective, Black Locust is wonderfully versatile. It machines cleanly, sands smooth, and holds crisp detail when cut by laser. Its dense grain provides a sturdy base for fine designs—ideal for precision-cut coasters and décor pieces that balance rustic warmth with modern geometry.
When you hold one of our Black Locust creations, you’re holding a piece of a tree that’s known for its strength, resilience, and natural beauty—values that mirror everything we strive for at Cordrick Creations.
See Black Locust in Action
Explore our Gearworks Collection and Webworks Collection to see how we bring this incredible wood to life—one handcrafted piece at a time.
