Ash

Although similar in structure and properties, the three species of American ash vary in colour. The black and brown ash are slightly darker, with a greyish-brown colour, than the other varieties, which tend to be a lighter grey-brown tinged with red. The wood is normally straight-grained and coarse, with an even texture, and lustrous. The narrow heartwood is almost white.

Properties:

Bending properties vary, but are normally very good. The wood is elastic, tough and strong relative to its weight, and has good stiffness and hardness. Shock resistance is very good. It works well with machine and hand tools but has a moderate blunting effect. The harder species need pre-boring for nailing and screwing. It polishes, stains and glues well.

Seasoning:

American ash dries fairly rapidly with little degrade, but grey-brown stains and surface checks can occur. There is little movement in service.

Durability:

American ash is perishable and non-durable, with permeable sapwood. It is vulnerable to attack from the common furniture and powder-post beetles. It takes preservative treatment well.

Typical Uses:

American ash is used for quality furniture, interior joinery, boatbuilding and built-in kitchens. Other uses include sports equipment such as oars, paddles, bats and cues, and handles for workshop and garden tools. It is also a good source of decorative veneers.

Fraxinus americana and related species (Oleaceae)

Also called:

F. americana: white ash (USA), Canadian ash (UK); F. pennsylvanica: green ash (USA), red ash (Canada); F. nigra: black ash, brown ash (USA)

Grows:

Canada and USA

Weight per Board Foot:

3.4 lbs

Typical dry weight:

F. americana and F. pennsylvanica 41lb/ft3 (660kg/m3), F. nigra 35lb/ft3 (560kg/m3)

Specific Gravity:

F. americana and F. pennsylvanica .66, F. nigra .56

Typical Height:

80-120ft (25-36m)

Trunk Diameter:

2-5ft (0.6-1.5m