How to Order Your New Deck with Black Locust Lumber: Sizing, Profiles, Shipping & More
Designing and ordering a premium hardwood deck shouldn’t feel complicated. At Black Locust Lumber, we make it easy to turn your vision into a long-lasting, naturally beautiful outdoor space—whether you're building a rooftop retreat, a residential patio, or a heavy-use boardwalk. This guide walks you through the entire ordering process step-by-step: from selecting the right board sizes and profiles to understanding grading, shipping, and maintenance. If you’ve never worked with Black Locust before—or if you want to make sure you're getting the best materials at the right spec—this is everything you need to know.
Choose Your Decking Size
The first step in ordering your Black Locust deck is choosing the right board size for your project. We offer three core options, each milled for a specific type of application, from private homes to public boardwalks.
Our most popular residential decking size is 5/4 x 6, which finishes at a true 1" x 5.5". This width offers excellent coverage, a comfortable underfoot feel, and a refined visual rhythm—ideal for patios, rooftop decks, and backyard spaces.
For smaller spaces or cost-conscious builds, we offer 5/4 x 4 boards (actual size: 1" x 3.5"). These boards provide a slightly narrower profile and are a great choice for secondary decks, walkways, or designs where a different design look is prefered.
For commercial, municipal, or heavy-traffic projects, our 2 x 6 decking (actual size: 1.5" x 5.5") is the go-to solution. This robust, durable profile is commonly used in boardwalks, parks, and waterfront infrastructure where strength and longevity are non-negotiable.
You can order decking in random lengths (3'–8'), which are the most economical and flexible option—especially when trimming on site. For clients seeking a cleaner, more uniform layout, our Signature Series fixed lengths come in 6', 8', 10', and 12' boards, each double-end trimmed, end-sealed, and ready to install. Signature Series is only available in our Premium Grade.
We also allow for mixed-length orders and can trim boards to specific dimensions upon request. No matter which size or format you choose, every piece is milled to tight tolerances and shipped ready for installation.
Looking for a modular, pedestal-ready option instead of traditional plank decking?
Our Black Locust deck tiles are a smart, durable alternative—especially for rooftops, pool decks, and compact outdoor spaces where quick installation and pedestal systems are preferred.
Select Your Profile
Once you’ve chosen your decking size, the next decision is your board profile. This affects both the look of your finished deck and how it’s installed. At Black Locust Lumber, we offer two standard deck profile options—each designed for long-term performance and ease of use.
Our most popular is the eased edge profile, also known as radius edge. It softens the corners of each board for a smoother, more comfortable feel underfoot and a finished, architectural look. Eased edge boards are ideal for face-screwed installations and are the go-to for everything from backyard decks to public walkways.
We also offer a grooved profile, which is compatible with hidden fastener systems. This allows for a clean, fastener-free surface—perfect for rooftop decks or contemporary designs where a seamless finish is preferred. Our milling is included in your board price, which sets us apart from competitors who often charge extra for grooving or specialty profiles.
For all applications, we recommend fastening with stainless steel screws, especially in high-exposure environments or when working near board ends. While hidden fasteners are an option, face screwing provides a tighter hold and is often favored for long-term stability—especially in freeze-thaw climates or over long spans.
Whether you’re designing for clean lines or historic character, the right profile helps ensure your Black Locust deck performs as beautifully as it looks. And because every board is milled to order, you get exactly what you need without paying extra for essential details.
Understand the Grades
Not all hardwood decking is created equal—and not all grading systems are transparent. At Black Locust Lumber, we offer two clear, reliable options: Premium Grade and Select & Better Mix Grade. Each is carefully defined, and we encourage customers to compare our grading rules to any competitor’s before placing an order.
Premium Grade is our top-tier architectural lumber, designed for high-visibility applications where both structure and aesthetics matter. Boards are clean on the face with tight grain, minimal natural variation, and a refined appearance. Small, sound knots (under 3"), occasional mineral streaks, and minor bark inclusions may appear if they enhance the visual character—but all material is hand-inspected to meet our elevated standards. This grade is ideal for luxury residential decks, rooftops, boardwalks, and public spaces where a consistent finish is critical.
Select & Better Mix Grade offers a more rustic, cost-effective option without compromising on durability. Boards in this grade show more natural character—including larger knots, bark inclusions, and mineral streaks—and are best suited for projects where one face is hidden or appearance is less critical. This grade works well for decks, fencing, rustic builds, or budget-conscious applications that still demand structural performance.
Unlike many suppliers who use vague or self-defined grading standards, we align our Premium Grade with NHLA benchmarks, adapted for Black Locust’s unique traits. We publish our grade rules and are happy to provide photos or documentation upon request. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting—and we encourage you to ask other suppliers to do the same.
Competitors often market lower-grade material as “premium” without disclosing what’s really included. We don’t. We offer clarity, consistency, and accountability with every shipment.
Request a Quote and Place Your Order
Once you've selected your decking size, profile, and grade, it's time to get your order started. Our goal is to make this process as straightforward and transparent as possible—whether you're a seasoned contractor or a homeowner building your first deck.
Start by calculating the total square footage of your deck. Then, convert that number into linear feet using a coverage calculator. Because hardwood lumber is quoted by linear foot in the industry, this step is essential for accurate pricing and material planning. We recommend this easy tool:
👉 Square Foot to Linear Foot Calculator
(Just enter the finished board width in inches—e.g., 5.5" for 5/4 x 6 decking.)
Once you have your take-off list, send it to our team by emailing sales@bllpro.com or submitting our Contact Form. We’ll review your details, confirm available inventory or custom options, and provide a formal quote.
For orders under $5,000, you can pay in full by credit or debit card. For larger orders, we require a 50% deposit to begin production. The remaining balance is due before shipment. As a custom mill, each order is cut and milled to spec, so clear communication at this stage ensures we deliver exactly what you need.
Need to see the product before you commit? No problem. You can request samples directly here:
👉 Order Decking Samples
Most in-stock orders ship within 7–10 business days, while custom or high-volume orders may take longer depending on the scope.
Once your order is confirmed, we’ll take care of the rest—milling, sealing, wrapping, and preparing your shipment for nationwide delivery.
Know What to Expect with Shipping
At Black Locust Lumber, we ship nationwide—delivering to job sites, homes, and commercial locations across North America. Whether you're ordering a few hundred linear feet or coordinating materials for a large public installation, we make sure your shipment arrives secure, protected, and ready to install.
All decking orders are palletized, lumber-wrapped, and end-sealed with wax to protect against moisture loss and checking during transit. Our packaging is designed to withstand long-distance freight routes and jobsite handling, ensuring your material arrives in top condition.
We ship via LTL (less-than-truckload) freight or full truckload, depending on your order size. For residential deliveries, we’re happy to coordinate liftgate service if you don’t have access to a forklift or loading dock. While shipping to a commercial address with a dock or forklift will reduce freight costs, we’ll work with any delivery setup to make the process as easy as possible.
You don’t need to worry about arranging logistics—we handle the freight coordination and can advise you on how best to receive your material based on location, timing, and order size. We’ll also provide tracking details and delivery instructions once your shipment leaves our mill.
Whether you're a builder managing multiple drop sites or a homeowner receiving a single crate, our shipping team is here to support a smooth delivery every step of the way.
Plan for Overage
One of the most important steps in any decking order—especially with hardwoods—is accounting for material overage. Whether you're dealing with field cuts, layout adjustments, or future repairs, having a little extra on hand ensures your project stays on track without costly delays or reorders.
If you’re ordering random length decking (3'–8'), we recommend adding 10–15% overage to your total square footage. Random lengths are incredibly flexible and cost-effective, but they do require some trimming and layout planning on-site, which naturally creates some waste.
For our Signature Series fixed-length boards, which are precision-cut and double-end trimmed, we suggest a smaller 3% overage. Because these boards arrive jobsite-ready—sealed, consistent, and exact—they help reduce cutting waste and streamline installation.
Need help figuring out how much overage to add? Use our recommended Square Foot to Linear Foot Calculator to get accurate numbers based on your board width and total square footage.
This step is especially important when working with custom lengths or tight delivery timelines. Having the right amount of material—plus a little buffer—helps your crew stay productive and your final deck look flawless.
What You Will Need – Maintenance & Finish Options
One of the most appealing aspects of Black Locust decking is its low-maintenance, finish-free performance. As a naturally rot-resistant, dense hardwood, Black Locust doesn’t require any stains, sealants, or chemical treatments to last for decades outdoors.
When left unfinished, Black Locust will gradually develop a silver-gray patina, similar to teak or ipe. This natural aging process is highly valued by architects and designers—it allows the wood to blend seamlessly into both modern and natural landscapes, while reducing the need for ongoing upkeep.
That said, some clients prefer to maintain the wood’s original golden hue. If you choose to apply a finish, such as a penetrating oil or UV-protective sealer, be aware that it becomes a maintenance commitment. In most climates, finishes will need to be reapplied every 2 to 3 years to maintain color consistency and prevent blotching or uneven fading.
In fact, many of our customers who tried staining or oiling their decks have ended up dissatisfied—reporting premature darkening, spotting, or slippery surfaces. For this reason, we typically do not recommend applying any finish unless you're fully committed to long-term reapplication and upkeep.
For cleaning, basic seasonal maintenance is all that’s needed. A light pressure wash or rinse with a broom and mild soap is sufficient to remove dirt, pollen, or grime buildup. There’s no need for sanding, sealing, or special cleaning agents.
If you're looking for a decking material that delivers premium aesthetics without the constant maintenance cycle, Black Locust is one of the few options that truly lives up to that promise.
What You'll Need for Installation
To ensure a smooth installation, we recommend using high-quality stainless steel screws that do not require pre-drilling—saving you time and labor. SPAX Exterior Stainless Steel Fasteners are our go-to choice. They're designed specifically for hardwood applications, resist corrosion in outdoor environments, and help preserve the clean look of your deck surface.
For any field cuts made during installation, we strongly recommend sealing the freshly cut ends to prevent checking, splitting, or premature moisture intrusion. Anchorseal 2 is a premium end grain sealer formulated to reduce drying splits in hardwood lumber. Simply apply it to any exposed end grain immediately after cutting.
Together, these tools will help preserve the structural integrity and beauty of your deck—ensuring it performs just as well as it looks for decades to come.
Ready to Build with Black Locust?
Ordering your new deck with Black Locust Lumber is a straightforward process—but the result is anything but ordinary. With naturally rot-resistant hardwood, tight milling tolerances, and a transparent grading system, you get a deck that looks beautiful from day one and performs for decades.
Whether you're building a small rooftop escape or a large commercial boardwalk, we’re here to help you select the right size, grade, and profile—and deliver it jobsite-ready anywhere in North America.
📏 Need help calculating material? Use our recommended coverage calculator.
📦 Want to see the wood in person first? Order a sample here.
🪵 Explore our full Black Locust Decking Solutions for specs, applications, and technical info.
📝 Ready to start your quote? Contact us or email sales@bllpro.com and let’s talk specs.
From design to delivery, we’re committed to providing the highest-quality Black Locust decking in the industry—no gimmicks, no shortcuts, just real wood that lasts.
