TREES
CHESTNUT
AREAS OF GROWTH
The chestnut tree is widely common in every part of the world. It mainly grows in Asia, Europe, the Caucasus, the Alps and North Africa. When we categorize the chestnut tree; it is possible to see that it is divided into Chinese chestnuts, Japanese chestnuts, and European chestnuts. China is the leading country that farms this tree the most. China is followed by Italy and the Republic of Turkey.
EXPORT/IMPORT
When we look at the past few years, the annual export and import volume of chestnuts in the world is around 320 million US dollars. China again ranks first with 26% in this share. Then, it is followed by the United States, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Greece, Japan and Portugal.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The chestnut tree has been used by humankind since ancient times, thanks to its chestnut fruit. The chestnut, which lives between 200-500 years, can reach an average height of 20 to 30 meters and its trunk diameter is around 1.5 m. The bark of the chestnut is generally in a cracked structure. This tree also has a specific gravity between 560 and 650 kg/m³. The structure of this tree is quite similar to the oak tree. The most remarkable feature of the chestnut is that it has a high resistance to water, mud and decay. The chestnut is durable and tightly structured. It also has light brown or yellow heartwood, but this color usually darkens after it is cut. The sapwood, on the other hand, is usually dirty yellow, white or grey.
WORKING PROPERTIES
As we mentioned before, the timber of the chestnut is very similar to the oak timber. The chestnut timber is generally hard, highly flexible and durable. However, it can be easily damaged if necessary precautions are not taken against insects and fungus. It is quite easy to work on chestnut wood with machine and hand tools. But cutting and nailing operations should be done very carefully, because of the risk of rapid splitting. It can be easily flexed, thanks to its long-line structure. In addition, the chestnut wood is very good at gluing, varnishing and painting.
areas of use
As you know, the chestnut wood is highly resistant to water and mud. That’s why it is widely used in the production of sea vehicles such as boats and yachts. In addition, thanks to its decorative appearance and durable structure, it is frequently used in all kinds of decoration works and external structures. It is especially preferred in furniture construction, window joinery, garden table and chair construction and exterior cladding.