Reclaim a Piece of History: Chestnut
This species of wood no longer grows in the American forests. Any chestnut wood today comes from old structures, barns and industrial buildings built before the Chestnut blight in the early 20th century. Re-sawn beams and re-milled siding creates the Chestnut flooring of today. It is becoming scarce as these old buildings disappear and is usually the most expensive of the antique flooring materials.
It’s Characteristics:
Antique chestnut is characterized by its strength, and unique open grained wood with a high level of resistance to decay. This flooring, compared to other antique flooring, is apt to have more and larger nail holes, excessive worm holes and checking, and major color difference from one board to the next. It produces a rustic floor with the unique natural Chestnut color which includes rich hues and buttery smoothness, intermixed with dark weathered areas, especially along the edges of the planks.
It’s Price:
The price for chestnut may be more than other hardwoods but we think it’s worth its value. If it’s too rich for your blood but you love it, you may want to think about using it on an accent wall, or in a smaller room or even a peninsula or counter top rather than an entire room just to have a beautiful piece of history in your home!
It’s Value:
The majority of this wood has been preserved for hundreds of years, and is now being salvaged and repurposed as wood flooring. Because the supply is limited, the value is much higher. One day it may be priceless!
Reclaim a Piece of History: Chestnut
