White Ash
Fraxinus americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Bold, open-grained texture with a straight grain pattern; exhibits distinct cathedral figure in flat-sawn sections and medium to coarse texture similar to oak but without the broad medullary rays.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown; sapwood can be very wide and tends to be a beige or light brown. It maintains a relatively consistent light color but may yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack (specifically the Emerald Ash Borer).
Common Uses
Flooring, tool handles (shovels, hammers), baseball bats, furniture, cabinetry, oars, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (pricing varies due to Emerald Ash Borer impact on supply).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processed lumber; appears freshly surfaced or kiln-dried with minimal oxidation, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation; not CITES listed but availability is becoming restricted in some regions.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending, glues, stains, and finishes well. High shock resistance makes it prone to some splintering if tools are dull.
Notable Features
Distinctive for its combination of strength, lightweight, and high shock resistance. Lacks a characteristic odor; known for being the traditional wood for Major League Baseball bats.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in high-traffic areas like flooring. Since it is open-pored, a grain filler is recommended if a smooth, glass-like finish is desired. Stains very evenly.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent earlywood pores, color palette, and specific cathedral grain structure are diagnostic of the Arf (Fraxinus) genus, specifically White Ash.