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.