White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a pronounced ring-porous, flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Light creamy beige to pale brown heartwood with lighter sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkening slightly to a warm amber with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and region
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber, freshly milled or very recently processed within the last few months
- Sustainability Status
- Severely threatened across much of its native North American range due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer; not currently CITES listed, but heavily impacted ecologically
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, tool handles, baseball bats, cabinetry, millwork, and bending applications
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools, turns and glues well, responds exceptionally well to steam bending, though prone to occasional tearout on planers if grain is interlocked
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, and lacquers very well; a grain filler may be used for a perfectly smooth glass-like finish due to the open pores
Notable Features
High shock resistance, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and distinct ring-porous texture
