Common Names: ash, American ash, Fresno, Biltmore ash, Biltmore white ash, white ash
Short Description: Ash is a member of the olive tree family. The tree can grow as tall as 70 to 80 ft, while the trunk diameter can be as wide as 24 to 36 inches.
Country of Origin: North America
Color: light cream to light brown
Janka Scale Hardness: 1320
Average Weight: 3.58 lbs/bd. ft.
Common Uses: sports equipment such as baseball bats, furniture, cabinetry, handles, auto bodies, some musical instruments, handles, flooring, crates, interior millwork
What Is Ash Wood?
Ash is a light-colored hardwood with smooth and straight grains. The color ranges from beige to light brown, depending on the type of ash. Ash is one of the lightest hardwoods. But despite being lightweight, ash is a good shock absorber. Thus, it is mainly used for making baseball bats and arrows.
Distinguishing the colors of heartwood and sapwood may be difficult with ash since the colors tend to be similar, unlike in other hardwoods. The lighter color of ash will darken over time and become richer. This color change is mainly attributed to the wood’s natural process as it is exposed to oxygen and the sun’s UV light.
Different Types of Ash Wood
White Ash (Fraxinus Americana)
White ash is identifiable from its lighter-colored heartwood and wider-spaced growth rings. White ash has winged parenchyma that connects the outer latewood pores. This ash mainly grows in the Eastern United States and North America.
Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)
Black ash has a darker color than white ash and closer growth rings. These two attributes significantly differentiate black ash from its white counterpart. Black ash also does not have the winged parenchyma present in white ash. It is also less dense. Typically, black ash grows in the Northeastern United States and Canada.
European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
European ash closely resembles white ash in physical appearance. It is hard to distinguish one from the other. The only way to differentiate the two is by asking for the source of the lumber. While white ash is prevalent in North America, European ash is found in Europe and southwestern Asia.
Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia)
Oregon ash is a deciduous tree that grows up to 65 to 80 ft tall and 16 to 30 inches wide. Its most distinct feature is its stout twigs. It has an opposite branching arrangement along with opposing buds. It makes a great addition to wide gardens and yards. This ash genus is native to western North America and prefers wet habitats.
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
Green ash grows from 39 to 82 ft tall and 24 inches wide. Green ash is the most commonly distributed ash type among all American ashes. Its natural habitat is beside streams and bottomlands.
Olive Ash
Olive ash is technically not a species of ash. Olive ash refers to an ash tree with dark and streaky heartwood. This attribute is often found in European ash.
How Dense or Hard Is Ash Wood?
Scoring a good number of 1320 on the Janka Scale, ash wood is harder than red oak, walnut, and cherry. Thus, it makes a durable option for furniture making and other woodworking projects.
How to Distinguish Real Ash Wood
Surprisingly, it is difficult to identify real ash wood from oak. Even experts have difficulty telling the two apart unless they have years of experience dealing with and analyzing both kinds of wood. To check for a live edge ash slab, look for a one-grain pattern instead of oak’s radial pattern. If you still find it challenging to identify if the wood is ash, you can always seek professional assistance.
Is Ash a Good Option for Outdoor Furniture?
No, it is not. While durable and versatile, ash is not usually used for outdoor furniture. As with most hardwoods, ash gets damaged if exposed directly to the sun for long periods. It is also not resistant to rot as walnut and cherry.
FAQs
Is ash suitable for live edge wood?
Yes, ash makes a good option for live edge wood. A live edge ash slab adds a softer and more modern appeal to any interior due to its light color. It is also a tough wood that can hold enough weight and absorb shock when needed.
What other wood resembles ash?
People often mistake oak and ash for each other. But oak is not the only ash look-alike. Other wood, such as sassafras, catalpa, and hackberry, can pass on as look-alikes. However, they still have distinctive traits that can distinguish one from the other if you have the know-how.
Where to Buy Live Edge Ash Slab
A magnificent ash live edge wood slab is difficult to come by, even though ash wood is a common fixture in the lumber industry. However, if you have a trusted supplier like Alderfer Lumber Company Inc, you can get an amazing slab suited to your liking.
We meticulously source our live edge slab selection from trusted suppliers. Transport, handling, treatment, and storage are all done prudently to ensure that the wood is at its optimal quality as it reaches our client’s hands.
With almost 30 years of experience, our team of wood experts has the knowledge and skills to handle different kinds of wood and craft fantastic furniture that will leave you and others in awe. Our wide array of live edge wood slabs is not limited to ash alone. Give us a call or send us an email to check what’s in our current inventory.
Our wide array of live edge wood slabs is not limited to ash alone. Give us a call or send us an email to check what’s in our current inventory.
