Species Spotlight – Sweet Chestnut

Spotlight on sweet chestnut wood

Due to its pale to golden brown colour and straight grain and coarse, uneven texture, sweet chestnut wood is a prized material in woodworking and furniture making. However, it is worth bearing in mind that sweet chestnut can darken with age and exposure to light.

Uses for live edge chestnut wood

Live edge wood from a sweet chestnut tree is a relatively lightweight hardwood, which is easy to work, both by hand and with machine tools. The pale golden-brown wood can be crafted into both traditional and modern pieces of furniture including table tops, countertops, benches, cabinets and shelving.

The attractive grain patterns and durability of sweet chestnut wood make it ideal for flooring, panelling, cladding, windowsills and mantelpieces.

Live edge chestnut wood is often used for garden furniture, decking, and fencing due to its weather resistance. The wood’s natural resistance to rot and insects ensures longevity in outdoor settings. However, regular maintenance is required when using it outdoors to maintain the wood’s appearance and extend its life.

Sweet chestnut wood is favoured for carving and turning projects because it can be shaped easily, holds detail well and offers a blend of beauty, durability and versatility. Find out more about our range of sweet chestnut wood slabs.

Visit Elephant Timber

Visit us online or at our workshop on the Sussex coast to choose from our range of live edge sweet chestnut.

Our normal opening hours are Monday-Friday 07:30 – 17:00. Please contact us on 07941 034 822 to make an appointment, as we are not always based in the workshop. Out-of-hours or weekend appointments can be made by arrangement.