White Ash (American Ash)
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern to Central North America
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-durable. Perishable with poor natural resistance to decay, moisture, and insect attack if left untreated outdoors.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn grain showing distinct cathedral patterns near the top with straight to slightly wavy longitudinal growth rings and medium to coarse ring-porous texture.
Color & Appearance
Light creamy white to pale tan sapwood transitioning into light grayish-brown heartwood. Moderately bright natural luster that slightly darkens to a warm amber tone over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-durable. Perishable with poor natural resistance to decay, moisture, and insect attack if left untreated outdoors.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.50 - $7.50 per board foot (4/4 rough lumber)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled off-cut board or raw stock, approximately 1-5 years post-harvest based on clean fresh-cut appearance, minimal surface oxidation, and rough-sawn edge.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered due to extensive mortality caused by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Not CITES listed, but availability is shifting due to EAB impact.
Common Uses
Tool handles (axes, hammers), sports equipment (baseball bats, hockey sticks), furniture, cabinetry, interior millwork, flooring, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern to Central North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Responds very well to steam bending. Good gluing, screwing, and finishing properties, though ring-porous grain may require filling for a mirror-smooth topcoat.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and clear finishes exceptionally well. Polyurethane, wiping varnish, or shellac recommended. Grain filler optional depending on desired surface texture.
Notable Features
High shock resistance and flexibility, high strength-to-weight ratio, non-distinctive scent, ring-porous earlywood pores clearly visible on face grain.
