How good is chestnut for woodworking?

[Tom Andersen]

Hi guys,

I have been offered some huge logs of chestnut. I have a large chain saw and an Alaskan, so I could mill the logs into boards myself. It would not be difficult but it would be a lot of work.

My question is: How good is chestnut for woodworking? Does chestnut furniture look fine? Does anybody have experience with it?

I am not into wood turning.

Thanks in advance!
Tom

[Craig Zettle]

Tom, I have built a few things with chestnut, both harvested and air dried in my basement, as well as reclaimed lumber, and it is a beautiful wood. Cuts and mills well and finishes well.

Go for it. As a matter of fact, get as much as you can. Hoard it. It is unique, and you really don't see many items made from it.

[Dennis Peacock]

Go for it and enjoy the wood. It's been used for a long time for furniture and is well worth the stocking in the shop when you find it. :D