I have access to a barn that is at least 100 years old in central Virginia. I am told that it was made from wood on the farm and it should have some Chestnut in it. The barn is to be torn down and the owner says I can have whatever I want. I pulled 6 wide Cedar boards off the loft floor.
Anyone know how I can tell what is Chestnut and what is oak? I am a novice but don’t want to pass up this opportunity.
Thanks
Aric
Edited 9/6/2007 11:42 pm ET by AWagner142
Replies
The most reliable way to distinguish chestnut from oak is by looking at the end grain. Oaks have very prominent rays, visible as straight radial lines that run perpendicular to the growth rings. These are microscopic and essentially invisible in chestnut. Chestnut is also quite a bit softer and lighter than oak.
-Steve
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