European Ash (also known as Common Ash)
Fraxinus excelsior • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
The grain is typically straight with a coarse, uniform texture. This sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern transitioning toward the edges with prominent growth rings and occasional small knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown; sapwood is wide and can be several inches thick, typically a light beige or almost white. This sample displays the typical pale, creamy white hue of ash sapwood with minimal transition. It tends to yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable/Non-durable. It has little to no resistance to decay and is susceptible to insect attack (specifically the Emerald Ash Borer).
Common Uses
Flooring, tool handles (hammers, axes), baseball bats, furniture, cabinetry, and internal joinery due to its excellent shock resistance.
Geographic Origin
Europe and Southwestern Asia
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (USD)
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced lumber, likely less than 1-2 years old since processing based on the lack of significant oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (due to Ash Dieback and Emerald Ash Borer); FSC certification is widely available but supply is becoming more constrained in certain regions.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It responds well to steam bending, glues, stains, and finishes well. It has a moderate blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive for its extreme shock resistance and elasticity. It has no characteristic odor and is generally non-toxic, though the dust can be a sensitizer. High contrast in grain when stained.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all standard finishes including polyurethane, lacquer, and oils. Because of its large open pores, a grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The creamy light color combined with the distinct, coarse-textured open grain and characteristic ash 'flecking' in the earlywood is highly indicative of Fraxinus species.