White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but coarse with noticeable cathedral figure in flat-sawn sections and visible ring-porous texture
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown; sapwood is beige to light brown. Colors tend to darken slightly with age to a more yellowish-brown tone.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable to slightly durable; very susceptible to emerald ash borer and has low resistance to rot
Common Uses
Flooring, tool handles (hammers, axes), baseball bats, furniture, cabinetry, and crates
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern sample based on the lack of deep oxidation, clear surface finish, and minimal wear or patina
Sustainability Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer; not CITES listed
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout with figured grain
Notable Features
Remarkable strength-to-weight ratio; neutral odor; shock resistant; often compared to Oak but lacks visible medullary rays on quarter-sawn surfaces
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in high-use items; oil-based finishes enhance the grain but may yellow over time
Identification Confidence
High; the wide growth rings, distinct cathedral figure, and cream-to-brown transition are classic hallmarks of Ash wood.