Likely ash, probably White Ash; alternatives include green ash or, less likely, hickory. — Fraxinus americana (probable)

Likely ash, probably White Ash; alternatives include green ash or, less likely, hickory.

Fraxinus americana (probable) · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the northeastern and Midwestern United States and southeastern Canada.
Hardness
Janka approximately 1,320 lbf — Hard.
Durability
Slightly Durable; heartwood has limited decay resistance and is vulnerable to prolonged moisture and insects.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Mostly straight, coarse, open-pored grain with prominent cathedral arches on flat-sawn faces; tangentially sawn boards are shown. No special figure is evident.

Color & Appearance

Pale cream to light tan heartwood and nearly white sapwood, with strong earlywood/latewood contrast and moderate luster. It generally darkens slightly to warm straw-tan with age.

Hardness (Janka)

Janka approximately 1,320 lbf — Hard.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Slightly Durable; heartwood has limited decay resistance and is vulnerable to prolonged moisture and insects.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $5–$10 per board foot for clear, kiln-dried domestic ash; figured or exceptional stock may cost more.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Appears freshly milled or recently surfaced; clean edges, pale color, and minimal oxidation indicate months to a few years rather than aged reclaimed stock.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, baseball bats, tool handles, turnings, interior millwork, and veneer.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America, especially the northeastern and Midwestern United States and southeastern Canada.

Workability

Machines, sands, glues, and finishes well, though its coarse open grain can tear around reversing grain and requires sharp tools. Pre-drilling is useful near edges.

Finish Recommendations

Apply a sanding sealer or grain filler for a smoother surface, followed by oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane. Clear finishes emphasize the growth-ring contrast.

Notable Features

Distinctive open pores, strong growth-ring contrast, good shock resistance, and a favorable strength-to-weight ratio; visible ray fleck is limited.

Learn more about Likely ash, probably White Ash; alternatives include green ash or, less likely, hickory. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 10, 2026

Encyclopedia

Learn about Likely Ash, Probably White Ash; Alternatives Include Green Ash Or, Less Likely, Hickory. in the encyclopedia

View all →