SWEET/SPANISH CHESTNUT: CROWN: G
Our Sweet Chestnut originates from both the UK and Europe. We find no difference between the two productions which can be mixed in use without any problem. We select as free from dark stain as possible, with boards showing excessive stain being sold at lower prices. However patches of light brown stain and small knots should be accepted.

Production: T/T, 1/SE, S/E, DIM.

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.

Seasoning: It is difficult to dry and dries slowly with a marked tendency to collapse and honeycomb. It retains patches of moisture, and does not respond well to reconditioning treatments. There is small movement in service.

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, turnery, coffin boards, 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.

JBT Comments: Our Sweet Chestnut originates from both the U.K. and Europe. We find no difference between the two productions which can be mixed in use without any problem. We select as free from dark stain as possible with boards showing excessive stain being sold at lower prices. However patches of light brown water stain should be accepted as no defect.

Certification: We have established a supply of Sweet Chestnut which is produced from well managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes. All our Certified Timber is processed through our Chains of Custody which are audited by BM TRADA Certification.

Grade: First Quality, selected and produced to customers requirements.

Specification: a) Through and through and/or one square edge; 7ft and longer. 6 ins and wider. b) One square edge, resawn after kilning; 7ft and longer. 5ins and wider. c) Square edge, resawn after kilning; 6ft and longer. 4ins and wider.

Stockholding: 3,000 cubic feet in kiln dried and air dried stock 1/2 ins to 4ins thickness. 500 cubic feet of round logs available for sawing and kilning to customers requirements.