Appalachian Species & Grades

Ash

Other Common Names: Biltmore Ash or Biltmore White Ash Ash is grown in both the Glacial and Appalachian regions. Ash is a favorite of furniture and architectural millwork manufacturers. A light-colored species with an open grain and a coarse texture similar to oak, Ash is relatively dense with good working and finishing properties. The wood of Ash is economically important due to its strength, hardness, weight, and shock resistance. Ash is second only to hickory for use in the production of tool handles. Ash wood is also used in antique vehicle parts, railroad cars and ties, canoe paddles, snowshoes, boats, doors, and cabinets.
Grades Available:

Properties

  • Machining9
  • Nailing6
  • Screwing6
  • Gluing8
  • Finishing9

Properties of Ash

Ash has good working properties, nailing, screwing and gluing very well. It is relatively lightweight for its strength, stiffness, shock resistance and has excellent flexibility and bending qualities. It takes stains and polishes well.

How does it compare

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
Birch10810823.53.621,26016,6002,0107.39.5
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