Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionAmerican Chestnut Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
American Chestnut is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameCastanea dentata
Janka hardness540 lbf
Average dried weight30 lb/ft³
Best fitReclaimed lumber
Overview
Why choose American Chestnut?
American Chestnut is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Eastern United States. Common uses include reclaimed lumber, shingles, rustic furniture and flooring.
Scientific nameCastanea dentata
DistributionEastern United States
ShrinkageRadial: 3.4%, Tangential: 6.7%, Volumetric: 11.6%, T/R Ratio: 2.0
DurabilityThe wood is rated very durable. Many trees that died in the early 1900s chestnut blight were never cut, though, and insects eventually damaged them.
American Chestnut colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is light to medium brown and darkens to reddish brown over time. The sapwood is narrow and clearly defined, running from pale white through to light brown.
The grain may be straight, spiral or interlocked. The texture is coarse and uneven.
Working notes
Chestnut is easy to work with hand and machine tools. It splits readily, so take care when nailing or screwing it.
Castanea dentata, the American Chestnut, has no specifically reported adverse health effects.
American Chestnut should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for American Chestnut
Best projects
Common uses include reclaimed lumber, shingles, rustic furniture and flooring.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying American Chestnut from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
American Chestnut FAQ
What is American Chestnut best used for?
Common uses include reclaimed lumber, shingles, rustic furniture and flooring. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is American Chestnut beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell American Chestnut?
The buying section on this page links to any American Chestnut Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.