White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and regular grain with a uniform medium to coarse texture. This sample displays a flat-sawn appearance with distinct growth rings showing prominent earlywood and latewood contrast.
Color Description
This sample features a distinct transition between the light cream-colored sapwood and a darker, olive-to-brown heartwood streak. Ash is known for its high luster; it generally browns slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack (especially the Emerald Ash Borer in living trees).
Common Uses
Tool handles (shovels, hammers), baseball bats, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and hockey sticks due to its excellent shock resistance.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/modern (under 5 years) based on the lack of significant oxidation, absence of deep patina, and clean surfaced texture visible in the image.
Sustainability Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, though it is not yet CITES listed. Commercial availability is currently high but expected to decline.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well. It responds exceptionally well to steam bending.
Notable Features
Remarkable for its strength-to-weight ratio and shock resistance. It has no characteristic odor and contains very little natural oil.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for durability. It takes stains very well due to its open-pore structure; a grain filler may be used for a smooth, glass-like finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive ring-porous grain structure, stark contrast between heartwood/sapwood, and coarse texture are classic hallmarks of the North American Ash species.