White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Perishable; poor resistance to decay and susceptible to ground-contact rot and insect attack (especially the Emerald Ash Borer).
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a prominent ring-porous texture. Visible flat-sawn cathedral patterns and some streaks of brown heartwood appearing against pale sapwood.
Color & Appearance
Predominantly light cream to pale tan sapwood. Heartwood is a medium brown. Features a low to medium natural luster and tends to yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Perishable; poor resistance to decay and susceptible to ground-contact rot and insect attack (especially the Emerald Ash Borer).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $5.00 - $8.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively new lumber (less than 1-2 years since milling) based on light oxidation, sharp machine-cut edges, and lack of surface patina or wear.
- Sustainability Status
- Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, though still widely available commercially in many regions.
Common Uses
Tool handles (hammers, axes), baseball bats, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, lobster traps, and bentwood parts.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil-based finishes can enhance the grain, but grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Notable Features
Remarkable shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio. Lacks a characteristic odor. Often used as a substitute for White Oak where price or weight is a factor.
