Common Ash
Fraxinus excelsior • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and visible, with a coarse, open-pored texture; cathedral patterns often visible on tangentially sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light to medium brown; sapwood is wide and can be beige to light brown, not always clearly demarcated. It tends to darken slightly over time.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable, perishable; poor resistance to decay and insect attack, especially when in contact with the ground.
Common Uses
Tool handles (hammers, axes), baseball bats, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and internal joinery.
Geographic Origin
Europe and Western Asia; widely naturalized in parts of North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 15-20 years based on the diameter and bark fissure depth of the log.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (primarily due to Emerald Ash Borer and Ash Dieback in Europe); FSC certified sources are available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; steam-bends very well; glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Remarkable shock resistance, high elasticity, and neutral scent. Known for its strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil finishes highlight the grain well but require more maintenance for this porous wood.
Identification Confidence
Medium; Bark characteristics (diamond-shaped fissures) and opposite branching observed in the foliage strongly suggest Fraxinus, likely Common Ash given the surrounding vegetation.