White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight and regular with a coarse, even texture. Shows strong cathedral figure in flat-sawn boards and bold parallel lines in rift-sawn sections as seen in the sample.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown; sapwood can be very wide and tends to be a beige or light brown. Color darkens slightly to a more yellowish-brown over time with UV exposure. Moderately lustrous appearance.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable to Non-durable regarding decay resistance. Low resistance to insect attack and susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer in living trees.
Common Uses
Flooring, millwork, tool handles (hammers, axes), baseball bats, furniture, and cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern or newly milled. The wood shows minimal oxidation or patina, appearing bright and light-colored characteristic of contemporary lumber.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered (due to Emerald Ash Borer), but not listed by CITES. FSC-certified sources are available.
Workability
Excellent workability. Produces good results with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a mirror-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Remarkable for its strength-to-weight ratio and shock resistance. Has a faint, neutral scent when being worked. Known for high elasticity.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in flooring/furniture. Penetrating oils highlight the grain well. Large open pores may require a grain filler if a high-gloss finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent ring-porous grain structure, light coloration, and lack of visible rays (unlike Oak) are classic physiological indicators for White Ash.