White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent ring-porous texture, featuring a flat-sawn transition into a wavy growth ring pattern.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a noticeably lighter, near-white to pale yellowish-white sapwood. Moderate natural luster that darkens slightly to an amber tone with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for domestic standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 1 to 5 years since being milled; relatively fresh uncompleted raw lumber surface.
- Sustainability Status
- Severely impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer invasive pest across North America, leading to increased salvage logging but considerable ecological pressure.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, tool handles, baseball bats, and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally tear out during planing if grain direction is irregular.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, oils, and polyurethane exceptionally well without requiring extensive preparation or grain filling.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, excellent steam-bending properties, and distinct ring-porous grain structure.
