The locust is a hardwood tree with a growth range extending from Pennsylvania southward to Alabama and westward to southern Illinois and grows to heights of over 80 feet with diameters of 3 to 4 feet. The sapwood is yellowish and narrow, while the heartwood ranges from green to greenish yellow, dark yellow, or golden brown. The average weight is 45 pounds per cubic foot and the specific gravity 0.72.

Locust wood is widely used for fence posts, mine timbers, poles, railroad ties, stakes, and insulator pins (formerly the principal product made from locust wood), joinery and cabinetwork, and sliced for decorative veneers. The wood is known for its strength, durability, and moderate shrinkage and swelling.

It can pose problems when working with tools due to the coarse texture of the wood. Cutting tools should be kept sharp to avoid blunting. Pre-boring is recommended when nailing. Locust glues easily and stains well.