White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America.
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, even texture, commonly flat-sawn or quarter-sawn in lumber applications.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light to medium brown, while the sapwood is a lighter beige or nearly white with little visible boundary between sapwood and heartwood.
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living tree sample estimated at roughly 30 to 50 years based on trunk diameter and bark development.
- Sustainability Status
- Severely threatened across North America due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer; currently listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
Common Uses
Tool handles, baseball bats, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and boat oars.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; responds well to steam bending, gluing, and screwing, though prone to occasional tearout during planing if grain is irregular.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, and clears like lacquer, varnish, and polyurethane very well with minimal preparation.
Notable Features
Renowned for its high shock resistance, strength-to-weight ratio, and flexibility.
