Ash
Fraxinus americana / Fraxinus excelsior • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, prominent feathered cathedral patterns due to ring-porous structure; mostly straight but showing high contrast between earlywood and latewood on turned surfaces.
Color Description
Pale creamy white to light brown heartwood with very light, almost white sapwood. It features a medium to high luster and tends to amber slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; perishable regarding rot and decay resistance, and susceptible to insect attack (beetles). Used mostly for indoor applications.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, tool handles (hammers, axes), baseball bats, cabinetry, and turned objects like the vase shown.
Geographic Origin
Northeast United States, Eastern Canada, and parts of Europe.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot, though prices are rising due to Emerald Ash Borer shortages.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern (less than 10 years). The pale color and crisp grain indicate modern kiln-dried stock with minimal oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, though not CITES restricted for trade.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Responds very well to steam bending and glues/finishes easily. Toughness can cause some blunting on cutters.
Notable Features
Remarkable shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio. Lacks a distinctive scent. Ring-porous texture is very apparent to the touch if not grain-filled.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer works best to highlight contrast. Wipe-on oils (Tung or Linseed) are excellent for turned items. Due to wide pores, a grain filler may be used for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, dark latewood bands and distinct cream color are characteristic of Ash, especially in a turned context mimicking tool handle aesthetics.