American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
American Chestnut was once one of the most important hardwoods in eastern North America before being devastated by chestnut blight in the early 1900s. Today available only as reclaimed lumber from old buildings and structures, it is prized for its durability, distinctive wormy character, and historical significance. The wood combines light weight with exceptional rot resistance.
Botanical Profile
Castanea dentata was once dominant in Appalachian forests, with mature trees reaching 30-50 meters tall and diameters up to 3 meters. The species was functionally eliminated by an introduced Asian fungal blight by 1950. Restoration efforts continue, but commercial quantities are not expected for decades.
Physical Properties
American Chestnut is relatively lightweight at 480 kg/m³ dried weight with Janka hardness of only 540 lbf, yet exhibits excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Heartwood is light to medium brown, similar to oak. Straight grain with prominent growth rings and coarse texture. Specific gravity is 0.43. Reclaimed wood often shows characteristic worm holes.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low - easy on cutting tools despite moderate hardness
Gluing Advice
Glues well with most adhesives
Finishing
Takes finishes excellently, particularly oil finishes that enhance grain
Steam Bending
Good steam bending properties
Historical Context
Before the blight, American Chestnut was called the redwood of the East due to its massive size, abundance, and exceptional durability. It was used extensively for lumber, railroad ties, telephone poles, and furniture. Today, reclaimed wormy chestnut from old barns and buildings commands premium prices for its beauty and historical value.
Technical Specs
Functionally extinct due to chestnut blight, available only as reclaimed lumber