White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable; susceptible to powderpost beetles and decay when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face of the board
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a significantly lighter, near-white to pale yellowish sapwood; moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable; susceptible to powderpost beetles and decay when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (varying by grade and region)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or kiln-dried lumber, estimated less than 1 to 5 years old based on clean surface and lack of significant patina
- Sustainability Status
- Severely threatened in North America due to infestation by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), though widely available commercially from salvaged and harvested trees
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, baseball bats, boat oars, and bending wood applications
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; turns, glues, finishes, and steams bends exceptionally well, though it can occasionally tear out on planer surfaces if grain direction is ignored
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, and lacquers very well; water-based or oil-based polyurethanes provide durable protection for furniture and flooring
Notable Features
High shock resistance, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, and distinct ring-porous grain structure
