American Chestnut


Name American Chestnut (Castanea dentata)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as chestnut, chinkapin, and sweet chestnut.
Sources Grows in eastern half of United States.
Appearance Straight grained and coarse-textured with low to medium luster. Narrow, light-colored sapwood and reddish brown heartwood that darkens with age.
Physical Props Light and soft (dents easily) with modest strength and shock resistance. Excellent decay resistance. Poor steam bending rating.
Working Props Machines very well but splits easily – pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails. Turns reasonably well. Glues and finishes satisfactorily.
Uses In scarce supply today, but formerly used for furniture caskets, musical instruments, boxes, woodenware, interior trim, shingles, piling, fenceposts, railroad ties.