American Chestnut
American Chestnut carries a tragic history — one of the most important eastern hardwoods, virtually eliminated by a single introduced fungus in the early 1900s. Nearly all commercial lumber today is reclaimed Wormy Chestnut: salvaged from old structures, marked by insect holes and gray discoloration, and prized for exactly that rustic character. If you can source it, you're working with a piece of American forestry history.
- Nailing without pre-drilling near edges — Chestnut splits readily along the grain; always pre-drill
- Expecting tight, even grain like oak — Chestnut has a coarse, open texture that behaves differently under finish
- Trying to hide the worm holes in Wormy Chestnut — they're the point; fill them with tinted epoxy or leave them open
Light to medium brown heartwood darkening to reddish brown with age. Wormy Chestnut shows characteristic insect holes and gray-brown discoloration from blight damage — prized for rustic character.
Easy to work overall. Splits readily along the grain — pre-drill for nails and screws near edges. Turning is only mediocre due to coarse texture. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Worm holes in Wormy Chestnut can be filled with epoxy or left open for character.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |