White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain figure typical of flat-sawn boards; generally straight with a coarse, open-pore texture and prominent earlywood/latewood contrast.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown; sapwood is wide and beige to light tan, nearly white. Low to medium natural luster; colors tend to darken or yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable to slightly durable; low resistance to rot and insect attack (especially the Emerald Ash Borer).
Common Uses
Flooring, tool handles (shovels, hammers), baseball bats, furniture, cabinetry, millwork, and oars.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot (pricing varies due to Emerald Ash Borer impact on supply).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced; light oxidation and minimal patina suggest it is 0-2 years old since being processed.
Sustainability Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to the Emerald Ash Borer; not currently CITES restricted.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Good steam-bending properties; can cause slight blunting of cutters but generally sands easily.
Notable Features
Remarkable shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio; neutral scent; open-pore structure that takes filler or contrast stains well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts all finishes well; polyurethane is common for floors/furniture; oil or lacquer enhances the natural grain figure. Grain filler is recommended for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct 'bold' ring-porous grain pattern, lack of rays (ruling out Oak), and the specific beige-tan color palette are classic indicators of Ash.