Ash

Scientific Name: Fraxinus americana

Other Common Names: White Ash, American Ash

Ash, grown in the Glacial and Appalachian regions, boasts a light, uniform color with subtle hints of yellow. Renowned for its impressive strength and shock resistance, this hardwood suits both structural and decorative needs. Its straight grain and fine texture, like Oak, produce a smooth finish, and its natural durability supports various treatments and stains.

Offered in multiple grades, Ash adapts seamlessly to everything from high-performance sports equipment to modern, refined furniture—meeting the demands of both craftsmen and large-scale manufacturers.

Machining
Sanding
Finishing
Gluing
Fastening

Screwing/Nailing

Quick Fact:

Ash is highly prized in the world of guitar making—its natural brightness and awesome resonance contribute to a unique tonal quality that enhances both electric and acoustic instruments.

What’s Ash Used For?
  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Sporting Goods
  • Tool Handles
  • Architectural Millwork
  • Musical Instruments
Why Ash?
  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Excellent shock absorption
  • Consistent, light color
  • Straight grain and fine texture
  • Durable and versatile for multiple applications

NWH Appalachian is available as PEFC certified, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Controlled Wood or PEFC Controlled Sources.

How Does Ash Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?

Lumber
(12 % moisture content)
MachiningSandingFinishingGluingFastening/
Nailing/
Screwing
Weight
per bdft
Specific
Gravity
(Density)
Hardness
(Janka)
Bending
Strength
(MOR)
Bending
Stiffness
(MOE)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
R (%)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
T (%)
Alder101010972.45.415909,8001,3804.47.3
Ash9109863.56.611,32015,0001,7404.97.8
Basswood10109882.50.374108,7001,4606.69.3
Beech8810883.69.641,26014,9001,7205.511.9
Cherry10910973.07.5295012,3001,4903.77.1
Hickory377334.14.671,82013,7001,7304.98.9
Hard Maple9810943.73.641,45015,8001,8304.89.9
PC Maple9910952.74.5085010,7001,4503.77.1
Soft Maple8910953.19.5595013,4001,6404.08.2
Red Oak (Northern)10109973.64.631,22014,3801,7614.08.6
Oregon White Oak999884.34.721,64010,2001,0904.29.0
White Oak (Eastern)9109773.94.681,35014,3801,7624.48.8
Poplar9810962.81.4354010,1001,5804.68.2
Walnut989773.36.561,01014,6001,6805.57.8
Yellow Birch10810823.53.621,26016,6002,0107.39.5

Grades Available

Tailored for Appalachian hardwoods, NWH’s proprietary grades focus on structural integrity and dimensional consistency—helping you optimize yield, cutting efficiency, and overall value.
3 Grades Available
Ash Prime is our highest-yielding grade. Ash Prime yields, at a minimum, 83-1/3% clear face cuttings...
Applications
  • Cabinets
  • Entry Doors
  • Furniture
  • Millwork
Ash #1 Common boards yield, at a minimum, 66-2/3% clear face cuttings with minimum cutting sizes of ...
Applications
  • Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Components
  • Millwork
Ash #2 Common is designed to yield shorter cuttings with the best face yielding a minimum of 50% cle...
Applications
  • Panels
  • Drawer Fronts
  • Picture Frames
  • Small Specialty Items