This antique chestnut was previously used in a variety of ways, as a blight brought by boat from Asia in the early 20th century killed adult trees that were often more than 200 years old; the durable wood was quickly harvested for barn construction, house framing and many other applications; while chestnut trees still grow, the blight keeps them from reaching maturity rendering this incredible wood commercially extinct; in chestnut, reclaimed lumber is the only option; the wood has a unique, rich, warm glow; the grain is fairly pronounced, but somehow looks so smooth, and while the color can vary dramatically from board to board, the colors work together nicely;  a bit of wormy character from critter tracks and nail holes top off the look.