Black Locust Deck
Take a closer look—this isn’t your typical deck. At first glance, it might seem familiar, but a careful inspection reveals something entirely different. Look at the thoughtfully considered angles, the precise joints, the seamless transitions where boards meet. Each detail reflects genuine craftspersonship: the deliberate decision-making, the patience, and the steady hands that shape wood into more than just a surface to walk on. These subtle architectural elements create a structure that is both functional and expressive, a true one-of-a-kind feature that stands apart from mass-produced or off-the-shelf designs.
This particular deck was built using black locust wood, a species we choose intentionally for its exceptional durability, ecological responsibility, and understated beauty. Black locust is not a trendy or exotic import; it’s a bioregionally appropriate hardwood—native, abundant, and long-lasting. Its natural rot resistance means it performs beautifully outdoors without the need for chemical treatments or synthetic sealants that can harm ecosystems and human health. The wood’s rich, golden-brown color adds a warmth and depth that synthetic materials or less durable species simply can’t match. And as it weathers, black locust takes on a silvery patina that speaks to time and place rather than fading or deteriorating.
Our commitment to using materials like black locust is about more than aesthetics or performance. It’s part of a broader approach that rejects superficial solutions in favor of long-term sustainability and ecological integration. Every board on this deck represents a choice: to work with a species that supports local forestry economies, that requires less energy to process and transport, and that can return safely to the soil at the end of its life cycle.
Beyond the material itself, we think about how the deck relates to its environment. We consider sun angles, drainage, plantings, and how people will move through and around it. Rather than forcing a standard shape or size, we allow the surrounding architecture and landscape to guide the form—creating a unified space that feels intentional, connected, and enduring. This kind of work isn’t fast or formulaic. It requires listening closely to the site, the client, and the materials themselves. What results is more than a deck; it’s a carefully crafted outdoor room, designed to function as part of both the natural and built environments, standing as a quiet testament to thoughtful design, ecological awareness, and lasting quality.