Black Locust Firewood — BTU Rating, Burn Quality & Tips

Robinia pseudoacacia

BTU per Cord

27,900,000

Density

4,016 lbs/cord

Category

hardwood

Split Difficulty

hard

Spark Rating

low

Smoke Rating

low

Coaling Quality

excellent

Seasoning Time

18 months

Availability

regional

One of the highest BTU hardwoods available. Extremely dense and durable -- the wood is naturally rot-resistant. Burns very hot with long-lasting coals. Difficult to split by hand and slow to season. Outstanding overnight firewood.

Pros

  • +High heat output
  • +excellent coaling for long burns
  • +Low spark risk — safe for open fireplaces
  • +Low smoke production

Cons

  • -Difficult to split
  • -Long seasoning time (18 months)

Best Uses for Black Locust

Open Fireplace

Excellent — low spark risk

Wood Stove

Excellent — high heat output

Campfire

Good — mix with softwood kindling for easy starts

Smoking/Cooking

Can be used but not a traditional smoking wood

Seasoning Black Locust

Black Locust requires approximately 18 months of seasoning to reach the ideal moisture content of 20% or below. Split wood to 3-6 inch pieces and stack with good airflow. Keep the top covered but leave sides open to air. Store off the ground on pallets or rails.

Compare With Similar Species

Mesquite

28,000,000 BTU/cord · excellent coaling

Shagbark Hickory

27,700,000 BTU/cord · excellent coaling

Honey Locust

26,700,000 BTU/cord · excellent coaling

Apple

26,500,000 BTU/cord · excellent coaling

Calculate BTU →All Species →

Last updated: December 2024