Castanea sativa
Family: Fagaceae
Commercial names: Spanish Chestnut, European Chestnut.
General description: The colour is pale brown to biscuit similar to Oak,
but without the silver grain figure of oak due to finer rays. The grain is
from straight to spiral. Texture is coarse with ring shake and pockets of
stain liable to be present in older trees. Weight around 540 kg/m3 (34
lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.54. |
Mechanical Properties: This wood is of medium density has low
bending strength, medium crushing strength and very low stiffness and
resistance to shock loads. If bent in the green state it is liable to
rupture on the inner face. Air dried wood has a good steam bending
classification, although intolerant of pin knots.
Working Properties: Due to its acidic character it tends to corrode
metal in contact with it under damp conditions and blue-black iron stains
are likely to appear in the wood if in contact with iron compounds in
moist conditions. There is only slight blunting effect on tools and the
material is easy to work with hand or power tools. It nails, screws,
stains and polishes well.
Durability: The sapwood is liable to powder post beetle and
furniture beetle attack. The heartwood is durable and extremely resistant
to preservative treatment.
Uses: Furniture, turning, ornamental bowls, kitchen utensils, cleft
fencing, stakes and hop poles. Casks of chestnut staves are used for oils
and fats, fruit juices, cheap wines, barrel hoops, walking sticks and
umbrella handles. Now used extensively in furniture and kitchen furniture.
It is the traditional timber for drawer sides and back panels in Oak
furniture.
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