White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, open grain with prominent ring-porous texture and distinct growth rings
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with wide, creamy white or pale yellowish sapwood; exhibits low to moderate luster and darkens slightly over time
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable, perishable; low resistance to rot and susceptibility to powder post beetles
Common Uses
Baseball bats, tool handles, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, oars, and hockey sticks
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern manufacturing (late 20th to early 21st century) based on color and commercial finish
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered due to Emerald Ash Borer; not CITES listed but availability is decreasing
Workability
Excellent workability; responds well to machine and hand tools; glues, stains, and finishes well; provides good steam-bending properties
Notable Features
Distinguished by its high shock resistance, neutral scent, and tendency for splintering when broken under high stress
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oil for tool handles to prevent blisters; grain filler recommended due to large pores
Identification Confidence
High; the open-grain structure, tan color, and characteristic dark early-wood pores on a tapered handle are definitive hallmarks of White Ash used in athletic equipment.