Native to southern europe, chesnut accounts for 490 000 ha., mainly in the southern half of France. It is a valuable tree for timber; relatively fast growing, up to 30m tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1m.
Wood description
Its yellowish white sapwood is distinct from its brown heartwood. Chestnut is straight-grained with a medium texture.
Preserving
Chestnut is naturally resistant and easily impregnated permitting a Class 4 classification (suitable for exteriors in contact with water).
Physical and mechanical properties
Chestnut wood has mechanical properties very like those of oak. Both are regular and flexible, but oak is generally more elastic and less adhesive and fissile.
Average density | 620 kg/mᶟ |
Total average volumetric shrinkage | 11.1 % |
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres | 19 N/mm² |
Modulus of rupture under bending | 71 MPa |
Breaking stress under axial compression | 46 MPa |
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending | 12 500 MPa |
Conditions of implementation
Main uses
Chestnut is used for interior and exterior joinery, kitchens, flooring, panelling and frameworks.