White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight, and open grain with a relatively uniform texture and prominent earlywood pores
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, while sapwood is beige to light brown; this sample shows the characteristic light, creamy-tan hue typical of fresh sapwood
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable to non-durable; poor resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack (specifically the Emerald Ash Borer)
Common Uses
Flooring, baseball bats, tool handles, furniture, cabinetry, and internal joinery
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/modern (less than 1-2 years) based on lack of oxidation, bright color, and rough mill marks on edges
Sustainability Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, though not currently CITES listed
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; responds well to steam bending and glues/finishes excellently
Notable Features
Lacks a distinctive odor; known for high shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio; historically the gold standard for baseball bats
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes including oils, polyurethane, and lacquer; open grain often requires a grain filler for a smooth, high-gloss finish
Identification Confidence
High; the ring-porous structure, coarse texture, and pale coloration are definitive clinical markers for the Fraxinus genus.