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Answers before you ask
The things people ask on nearly every visit — mostly about the wood.
What is drawknifing, and why does it matter?
It is the hand process of taking the bark off a locust log along with the outer layers underneath it — the soft layer on black locust, the less-sturdy layer on yellow. What is left is the dense wood that does not rot. It makes the piece last dramatically longer, and it is the difference between a fence you replace sections of every few years and one you do not think about.
How long does locust actually last?
Outdoors, drawknifed locust runs about ten years — well beyond what pressure-treated wood gives you. Indoors it is twenty years and up depending on care, and with real upkeep it can last exceedingly long. Locust is the hardest wood in North America, which is why it has been the building wood in these mountains for a very long time.
Can I have the bark left on?
Yes, and some people very much want that look. You should know the trade: barked work is inferior to barkless in every way for longevity, and it typically needs sections replaced every two to five years. If that is the look you are after, the yearly maintenance plan is what keeps it standing.
What is the difference between black and yellow locust?
Black locust is seasoned standing, from a dying or dead tree — harder, and it produces the gnarliest, most characterful designs. Yellow locust, sometimes called honey, is cut live: not as hard and it does not last as long, but it is lovely wood. Both are yellow inside; one is simply darker on the outer layer.
Do you cover my area?
We work out of Lake Toxaway and cover the surrounding mountain communities. If you are near the edge of the list on our contact page, call anyway — it depends on the size of the job.
What does the maintenance plan include?
Two visits a year as standard, walking the whole property and replacing worn sections before they take a neighbouring one with them. Quarterly and monthly schedules are available for barked work or larger properties. It does not have to stop at the locust either — decking, siding, screening, mulch and mowing can all go on the same visit. We will give you a figure when we see the job.
Do you only work in locust?
No. Locust is the craft and it is what we are known for, but we build fencing in standard board, pressure-treated, chainlink and composite too, and we do porches, decking, siding, screening and the landscaping that goes with them. If we are already on your property it makes very little sense for you to go and find three more people to finish the job around us.