Advantages of ash wood

Ash belongs to the Oleaceae (olive tree) family with about 70 species in the world. Of these, White Ash and Black Ash are predominantly used in the wood industry. Ash trees grow all over the world in places as far apart as North America, Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. White ash has light white to pale yellow sapwood, and the heartwood leans more towards light to medium brown tones. Due to the increased supply, ash furniture tends to be more readily available and is also cheaper, compared to oak. Ash wood has the same high quality standards as oak, but at a more affordable cost.

Versatile

Ash wood is versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, from tools to sports equipment and even furniture. Black Ash is a medium density wood, similar to Black Walnut, but softer than White Ash. Black Ash can be used to make baskets and other more detailed work due to its layering characteristics.

White ash is often substituted for oak. White Ash wood is similar to Red Oak in appearance and characteristics; when stained, it looks like oak, as the grain pattern of the two woods is similar. This allows ash wood to be used in different types of furniture, modern and contemporary ash furniture designs and also more traditional designer furniture.

Ash wood is odorless, so it can be used to make serving utensils.

Easy to handle and durable

Ash is an “easy to use” wood and adapts easily to nails, screws and glue. Although hard, the wood bends well and allows for a smooth finish because stain and paint adhere well to the wood.

Ash wood is generally easy to sand and machine. It is also easy to carve.

This is resistant to decay in the heartwood. This makes it durable and requires little maintenance.

Shock resistant

Ash Wood has a Janka rating of 1320, making it between red and white oak in hardness. This makes it a good choice for flooring in high traffic areas or areas that are susceptible to heavy use, such as for kitchen use. Ash wood floors are durable and impact resistant. Although it is hard, the wood bends well.

Ash wood has the best strength-to-weight ratio and is therefore used to make baseball bats. Since most players don’t want a bat larger than 32 oz. this becomes significant. It is also used for tool handles and other sports equipment.