White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable (susceptible to decay and powderpost beetles)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a pronounced flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the center, typical of ring-porous hardwoods.
Color & Appearance
Light creamy to pale yellowish-white sapwood with light brown to grayish-brown heartwood. Low natural luster, little color variation within the sapwood, and minimal aging darkening.
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to decay and powderpost beetles)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (varies by grade and region, impacted by emerald ash borer supply shifts)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, likely less than 1 to 2 years old based on fresh surface texture and lack of patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES, but heavily threatened in the wild across North America due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer.
Common Uses
Tool handles, baseball bats, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and bending wood applications.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America
Workability
Generally excellent workability; turns, glues, and finishes well, though it can tear out on planers if grain direction is not managed properly.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, and polyurethanes very well; can be easily prepped with standard sanding up to 150-180 grit.
Notable Features
Exceptional shock resistance and bending strength, which historically made it the premier choice for tool handles and sports equipment.
