Wood species
Ash
White ash · Fraxinus americana
Ash has bold, oak-like grain in a lighter color package. Ring-porous like oak, so cathedral faces and open pores feel familiar, but the color stays creamier until you stain or oil.
Key facts
- Janka hardness
- Medium-highTough enough for furniture and tool handles
- Stability
- AverageSimilar movement to other ring-porous domestics
- Grain type
- Open & graphicStrong earlywood pores — stains can emphasize the pattern
- Rot resistance
- Indoor preferenceFinish thoughtfully if used near moisture
- Sustainability
- Watch supplyAsk what’s on the truck — regional availability swings
- Workability
- FriendlyMachines cleanly; known for steam bending
About this wood
Ash is ring-porous like oak: bold earlywood pores, cathedral faces, and a creamier color until you stain or oil. It machines cleanly and steam-bends well.
Supply swings with emerald ash borer pressure. When we have it, it’s a strong option for furniture that wants open grain without heavy brown or red tones.
What we carry
- Ash boards — oak-like grain with a lighter color story
Thickness is sold in quarters (4/4, 6/4, and so on) — see our hardwood thickness guide. Grades: NHLA grades.