In Colonial times, chestnut was preferred for log cabin foundations, fence posts, flooring, and caskets. Later, railroad ties, telephones, and telegraph poles were of chestnut. Many of these are still in use today. Chestnut once dominated a significant part of the eastern U.S. forests. At nearly four billion, the tree was among the largest, tallest, and fastest growing there.
The Chestnut grew rapidly and attained huge sizes. It was often an outstanding feature in both urban and rural landscapes. Chestnut was rot-resistant and straight-grained. And, it was suitable for furniture as well as fencing, and all forms of building materials. In Colonial times, log cabin foundations, fence posts, flooring, and caskets were of Chestnut. Also, it served as railroad ties as well as both telephone and telegraph poles. Many of these items are still in use today.
Chestnut was a significant contributor to rural agricultural economies everywhere it grew. Hogs and cattle were fattened for the market with them. Nut-ripening and gathering closely coincided with the holiday season. Late 19th-century newspapers featured articles about “railroad cars overflowing with chestnuts to be sold fresh or roasted” in major cities.
Standard dimensions are: 3/4″ x [5″, 6.1″, 7″, 9″, 11″] x 6.0′, 7.2′ in nested bundles. Other widths and lengths are available by special request.