Ash – European
- Europe
- Hardwood
- Perishable
European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a pale-coloured, ring-porous hardwood known for its excellent toughness, flexibility and high strength-to-weight ratio. The sapwood is creamy white, while the heartwood can range from light brown to greyish tones. It has a straight grain with a coarse, open texture and machines well, bends easily under steam and takes stains and finishes effectively. However, it is not naturally durable when exposed to moisture, making it best suited to interior applications unless treated.
In the timber industry, European Ash is widely used for furniture, flooring, interior joinery, doors and cabinetry, where its strength and attractive grain are valued. It is particularly favoured for applications requiring shock resistance and elasticity, such as stair components, tool handles and bentwood furniture. Its clean, contemporary appearance has also made it popular in modern architectural interiors, although its availability has been impacted in recent years by ash dieback disease affecting European forests.
Ash – European – Olive and White
Ash – European – Olive
Suitable for:
Agricultural implements
Boat and ship construction, decking, framing, keels, masts, planking, spars and stems
Carpentry, joinery (interior)
Education, schools and colleges
Furniture, cabinet making, bars and worktops
Military
Mouldings and profiles
Sports goods
Stair treads, window boards
Tool components
Vehicle components
