WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
Also known as: European Horse Chestnut, Conker Tree, Buckeye
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 390 lbf (1,735 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 430 kg/m³ (27 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.43
- Type
- Hardwood
- Grain
- Usually straight, sometimes irregular
- Texture
- Fine and even
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack
- Region
- Europe
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Sustainable - widely planted ornamental in Europe
Overview
Horse Chestnut is a European hardwood known for its pale cream color and ease of working. Despite its low durability, it has been used historically for turnery, carving, and prosthetics. The wood is lightweight and machines well.
Heartwood is cream to pale yellowish-white, often indistinguishable from sapwood. Density averages 430 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 390 lbf. Fine, even texture with usually straight grain. Low shrinkage but poor dimensional stability in service.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low - soft wood
Gluing
Excellent gluing properties
Finishing
Good - takes stain and finish well
Steam Bending
Moderate - can steam bend
Scent
Mild, not distinctive when worked
Assessment
Strengths
- Lightweight
- Easy to work
- Turns well
- Pale color
Weaknesses
- Low durability
- Poor dimensional stability
- Soft
- Not for outdoor use
Common Uses
Turnery · Carving · Pulp · Boxes · Prosthetics · Artificial limbs