Wood description:
In chestnut wood sapwood is narrow, the distinction between sapwood and heartwood is quite visible. Growth rings have quite different sizes. Appearance is similar to oak but without the typical ray flecks. Durability and resistance to moisture are its big values.
Sapwood: white-yellowish to ash-grey.
Heartwood: tan to dark-brown.

Histological structure:
Grain: straight, sometimes helicoidal;
Texture: medium to coarse.

Characteristic defects:
Tight knots;
Ring shake;
Grain deviation;
Irregular shape of trunks.

Permeabilty:
Sapwood is permeable, heartwood is impermeable.

Working properties:
Sawing: easy;
Drying: easy, medium to quick, some risk of colouring;
Planing: easy;
Glueing: as acid wood, it can react with alkaline glues;
Nailing and screwing: pre-boring is recommended;
Finishing: some risk due to its acidity.

Main uses:
Heavy construction, dock and harbour work;
Country-style furniture for interiors and exteriors;
Joinery, parquets, doors and windows;
Decorative veneering;
Marquetry and barrels

Mechanical properties:
Tensil strength : 710 kg/cm²
Compressive strength : 460 kg/cm²

Specific weight:
green 720 kg/m³
dried 580 kg/ m³.