ASH – AMERICAN
- North American
- Hardwood
- Non-durable
American Ash (Fraxinus americana) is a light-coloured, ring-porous hardwood known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, toughness and high elasticity. It typically ranges from pale cream to light brown, sometimes with a subtle grey or olive hue in the heartwood. The grain is usually straight with a coarse, open texture, giving it a distinctive visible grain pattern. It machines well, bends easily under steam, and takes stains and finishes evenly, although it is not naturally durable when exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions.
In the timber industry, American Ash is widely used for furniture, interior joinery, flooring, doors and cabinetry due to its combination of strength and workability. It is particularly valued for applications requiring shock resistance and flexibility, such as tool handles, sports equipment (including baseball bats and gym equipment), and bentwood components. Its clean appearance and reliable performance have also made it a popular choice for contemporary interior design and architectural joinery.
Suitable for:
Beams, framing and roofing
Boat and ship construction, decking, framing, keels, masts, planking, spars and stems
Carpentry, joinery (interior)
DIY and improvement
Doors, stairs and windows
Education, schools and colleges
Furniture, cabinet making, bars and worktops
Mouldings and profiles
Shopfitting
Sports goods
Stair treads, window boards
Tool components
Vehicle components
