White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America.
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to attack by powderpost beetles and decay when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uniform texture. Open-grained structure, often cut flat-sawn or quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light to medium brown, while sapwood is nearly white and wide. Color darkens slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to attack by powderpost beetles and decay when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for domestic lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Cannot be precisely determined from canopy photograph of a living tree; typically harvested trees range from 60 to 100+ years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Critically endangered across much of its native range due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer; not listed on CITES appendices but evaluated as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
Common Uses
Tool handles, baseball bats, oars, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally blunt cutting edges.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers very well; standard preparation involves thorough sanding up to 150-180 grit.
Notable Features
Renowned for its exceptional shock resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and flexibility when steam-bent.
