White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a prominent cathedral figure on the face; flat-sawn displaying clear earlywood/latewood growth rings on the end grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, while sapwood is wide and beige to nearly white. This sample displays the typical pale, creamy tones of sapwood with high luster and will slightly yellow with age.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable, perishable; poor resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack (especially Emerald Ash Borer).
Common Uses
Tool handles (shovels, hammers), baseball bats, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (varies by region and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh kiln-dried lumber, likely less than 2 years since processing based on the lack of oxidation and clean machine marks.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, though not currently CITES restricted.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; responds well to steam bending, glues and finishes well, though it can have a moderate blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinct lack of odor; known for exceptional shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio; open-pored texture similar to Oak but without the prominent medullary rays.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Due to large open pores, a grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired; otherwise, polyurethane or oil finishes look excellent.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct ring-porous structure, pale color, and absence of oak-like rays are diagnostic of white ash.