White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strongly ring-porous grain with prominent earlywood and latewood contrast; generally straight with a coarse, even texture and flat-sawn cathedral patterns visible in the plainsawn planks.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with wide, pale yellow to nearly white sapwood. This sample shows a muted, cream-colored appearance likely due to a clear or light-pigmented topcoat; it yellows slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to ground contact rot and attack by the Emerald Ash Borer in living trees and some powderpost beetles in seasoned lumber.
Common Uses
Flooring, baseball bats, tool handles (shovels/hammers), fine furniture, cabinetry, and internal millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot (standard 4/4 select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing (under 20 years). The uniform machining, rounded edges, and clear polyurethane-style finish indicate contemporary manufacturing rather than historic reclaimed wood.
Sustainability Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, though still widely available commercially from existing stands; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; responds well to steam bending; gluability is high; can occasionally experience tearout during planing if grain is slightly wavy.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its high shock resistance, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and lack of a characteristic odor; the large open pores readily accept stains and pickling finishes.
Finish Recommendations
High-durability polyurethane or lacquer for flooring; wide-open pores can be filled for a smooth finish or left open for a tactile 'grainy' feel. Water-based finishes best maintain its light color.
Identification Confidence
High. The ring-porous structure, large visible vessel elements in the earlywood, and the specific creamy-tan coloration are classic indicators of Fraxinus americana.