Black Locust Split Rail FAQs

Split Rail Fence Posts
Black Locust Split Rail Fencing:

Why black locust wood?

  • Rot-resistant – Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia) is the strongest and most rot-resistant wood indigenous to North America. It will remain beautiful and withstand years of outdoor exposure. 
  • No chemicals- Natural rot resistance means that no chemical pressure treatment is needed, and none will leach into surrounding soils.  This makes the material a great choice for organic orchards. 
  • Long-lasting- Rails laying atop the ground have lasted for over 100-years.  Posts set in the ground last about 20-years. 
  • Fast-growing and prolific – Black Locust is also a sound environmental choice. Black Locust is a very fast-growing hardwood tree.

Is the fencing functional as well as beautiful?

  • Strong- Black Locust has a Crushing Strength of 10,200 lbf/in2 (70.3 MPa)
  • Will hold large and medium animals with consideration to required heights and rail spacing.  Make sure your installer has built with this material in the past and understands the dynamics of your location and the needs of your livestock.  Small animals can be contained by adding the correct gauge wire.
  • Gates can be added to achieve the look and functionality that you need.    

Is the Bark House style historically accurate?

Prominent customers include federal and state parks requiring historically accurate rails.  We have researched and compiled numerous construction methods employed throughout different times and regions and showcase those in our photo gallery.

Why do you sell two grades of rails?

We have Standard Grade Rails with a minimum circumference of 8″ and Government Grade Rails with a minimum circumference of 12″.  When we split, we aim for the larger Government Grade.  The by-product of that is the smaller Standard Grade and it is measured to be no less than 8” in circumference along the span of the rail.  We do not supply rails with tapered ends.

Should I char the ends of my posts to increase longevity? 

The ancient Japanese method of  is increasing in popularity in the US, and this question is starting to come up more.  There are points on both sides of the argument for and against this practice.  We can’t currently advise you on this method. 

 

Follow this link to learn more about our Black Locust Split Rail Fencing! 

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