White Ash
Fraxinus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America.
- Hardness
- 1,320 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable; vulnerable to insect attack, particularly the emerald ash borer, and prone to decay when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face, showing clear growth ring boundaries typical of ring-porous hardwoods.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a significantly lighter pale white to yellowish-white sapwood. The color is fairly uniform with a natural medium luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,320 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable; vulnerable to insect attack, particularly the emerald ash borer, and prone to decay when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and kiln-dried status.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated between 1 to 5 years old based on clean, unoxidized surface and fresh appearance.
- Sustainability Status
- Severely threatened across its native North American range due to devastation by the invasive emerald ash borer, leading to high availability of salvaged timber but strict restrictions on movement.
Common Uses
Tool handles, baseball bats, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and wooden boat oars due to its exceptional shock resistance.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally blunt cutting edges due to density.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, lacquers, and oils very well. No special preparation required beyond standard sanding.
Notable Features
Exceptional shock resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and good steam-bending properties.
