When selecting materials for outdoor decking, architects, builders, and homeowners have traditionally turned to tropical hardwoods like Batu (Red Balau) for their durability and rich color. However, black locust decking is now leading the way as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance alternative. At Black Locust Lumber, we were the first to pioneer black locust, transforming it from an agricultural staple into an award-winning architectural product featured in LEED-certified projects across the United States. Here, we’ll compare black locust decking with Batu to highlight why black locust is an excellent choice for sustainable, high-performance decking. Think of black locust like choosing local produce at a farmer’s market. By opting for black locust decking, you’re choosing a sustainable, domestic hardwood that minimizes environmental impact while delivering the high performance you need for exterior applications.
Pioneering Black Locust as an Architectural Product
Historically, black locust was valued in agriculture for its durability and resilience. Farmers used black locust for fence posts and timber framing, with many black locust posts still standing strong over 100 years later. Recognizing its incredible potential, Black Locust Lumber pioneered the shift from black locust as an agricultural material to a premier architectural product. Today, our black locust wood is featured in award-winning, LEED-certified architectural projects across the United States, a testament to its eco-friendly and sustainable benefits.
Black Locust Decking vs. Batu: Key Comparisons
Here’s a breakdown comparing black locust decking to Batu in essential areas like durability, sustainability, maintenance, and more:
1. Durability and Longevity
- Black Locust Decking: Known for exceptional durability, black locust naturally resists rot, insects, and weather, making it ideal for outdoor applications. With a lifespan of 50+ years even without maintenance, black locust decking is comparable to Ipe and outlasts Batu in untreated settings.
- Batu: While Batu is also highly durable and resistant to rot and insects, it requires consistent oiling to maintain optimal performance, adding time and cost over its lifespan.
2. Sustainability
- Black Locust: One of the most significant advantages of black locust decking is that it offers all the benefits of tropical hardwoods while being a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to imported options like Batu. Think of black locust like choosing local produce at a farmer’s market. By opting for black locust decking, you’re choosing a sustainable, domestic hardwood that minimizes environmental impact while delivering the high performance you need for exterior applications.
- Batu: Batu is imported from tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, raising concerns about deforestation and carbon footprint due to transportation distances. FSC-certified options exist, but Batu’s environmental impact is higher than that of locally sourced black locust.
3. Fire Rating
- Black Locust: With a Class B fire rating, black locust decking is suitable for projects requiring enhanced fire resistance. We also offer a natural Class A fire treatment for projects that demand the highest fire protection.
- Batu: Batu’s density provides a similar Class B fire rating, though only black locust can achieve a Class A rating with treatment, making it a versatile choice for diverse project needs.
4. Ease of Maintenance
- Black Locust Decking: Black locust’s natural resistance to rot and insects means it requires no maintenance to stay durable and attractive. It can be left untreated to weather to a silver-gray patina, with only periodic cleaning necessary to maintain its appearance.
- Batu: To preserve Batu’s natural reddish-brown color, regular oiling and sealing are recommended, adding both maintenance time and cost over the decking’s lifespan.
5. Lifespan and Weathering
- Black Locust Decking: With a lifespan of 50+ years, black locust decking remains resilient in outdoor settings, even when untreated. It naturally develops a beautiful silver-gray patina within a year, depending on exposure to sunlight and climate.
- Batu: Batu generally lasts around 25 years with proper maintenance. Without treatment, it weathers to gray faster than black locust, requiring regular maintenance for optimal longevity.
6. Vandal Resistance
- Black Locust: Black locust’s hardness and density make it resistant to scratching, denting, and general wear. This resilience makes it a reliable choice for high-traffic or public spaces where durability is essential.
- Batu: Batu, with a slightly higher Janka hardness, also resists wear and vandalism, but both woods perform comparably in terms of durability.
7. Ease of Installation
- Black Locust: Although dense, black locust can be installed with high-quality tools. Pre-drilling is recommended, but it is generally easier to work with than the very dense Batu.
- Batu: Batu’s extreme density requires pre-drilling and specialized tools, which can add complexity and labor costs to installation.
Why Black Locust Decking is the Smart Choice for Eco-Friendly Projects
Choosing black locust decking provides a high-performance, sustainable solution that’s virtually maintenance-free while supporting eco-conscious choices. At Black Locust Lumber, our dedication to pioneering black locust as an architectural product has transformed it from a reliable agricultural material into an award-winning choice for LEED-certified projects across the U.S. Black locust decking brings all the benefits of tropical hardwoods like Batu, but with far less environmental impact, making it the ideal choice for sustainable and cost-effective decking.
For more information or to see samples of black locust decking, reach out to us at Black Locust Lumber. We’re here to help you bring your next project to life with the most sustainable, durable, and beautiful hardwood decking available.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Black Locust Decking
1. How does black locust decking compare to Batu in terms of maintenance?
Black locust decking is naturally rot-resistant and requires no maintenance, whereas Batu needs regular oiling or sealing to maintain its appearance. This makes black locust more cost-effective and easier to care for over time.
2. Is black locust decking a sustainable option?
Yes! Black locust is a native North American hardwood that grows quickly and can be sustainably harvested. Unlike tropical hardwoods like Batu, which often contribute to deforestation, black locust minimizes environmental impact and supports local forestry.
3. How long does it take for black locust decking to turn silver-gray?
Black locust weathers to a beautiful silver-gray patina within approximately one year when exposed to sunlight, depending on climate conditions. This natural weathering enhances its appearance and doesn’t compromise its durability.
4. What is the fire rating of black locust decking?
Black locust has a Class B fire rating, which is suitable for many exterior applications. For projects requiring additional fire protection, we offer a natural Class A treatment option.
5. How long does black locust decking last compared to Batu?
Black locust decking has an impressive lifespan of 50+ years in outdoor settings, even without treatment. Batu, while durable, generally lasts around 25 years and requires consistent maintenance to reach its maximum lifespan.
