Why is ash wood getting harder to find?

The emerald ash borer beetle has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America since its discovery in 2002. This invasive pest has significantly reduced ash lumber supply and is expected to continue affecting availability.

What is ash wood best used for?

Ash excels in applications requiring flexibility and shock absorption: tool handles, baseball bats, hockey sticks, bent-wood furniture, and flooring. Its excellent shock resistance makes it irreplaceable for certain sporting goods.

Can ash be used instead of oak?

In many applications, yes. Ash and white oak have similar hardness. However, ash lacks oak's water resistance (open vs closed pores) and is becoming harder to source reliably.

furniture

Ash vs White Oak Wood: Versatile Hardwood Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 12, 2026|Sources & methodology

Ash and white oak are both strong, attractive North American hardwoods with overlapping uses. Ash is prized for its flexibility and shock resistance, while white oak is valued for its durability and water resistance. With ash supply affected by the emerald ash borer, understanding both species helps you make informed purchasing decisions.

Ash

White Oak

Key Takeaways

Ash and white oak are both strong, attractive North American hardwoods with overlapping uses.
Ash is prized for its flexibility and shock resistance, while white oak is valued for its durability and water resistance.
With ash supply affected by the emerald ash borer, understanding both species helps you make informed purchasing decisions.
White oak is the better all-around hardwood with superior water resistance and stable supply.
Ash excels in specialty applications requiring flexibility and shock resistance but faces long-term supply concerns.

Property	Ash	White Oak
Price/Board Ft	$3-$7	$5-$10
Janka Hardness	1,320 lbf	1,360 lbf
Flexibility	Excellent - best bending wood	Good
Shock Resistance	Excellent	Good
Water Resistance	Poor - open pores	Good - closed pores
Color	Light cream to pale brown	Warm tan to brown
Supply Outlook	Threatened by emerald ash borer	Stable supply

Ash

Pros

Best steam-bending wood, Superior shock absorption, More affordable, Lighter color for modern designs

Cons

Supply threatened by emerald ash borer, Poor water resistance, Open pores absorb moisture, Future availability uncertain

White Oak

Pros

Stable long-term supply, Water-resistant closed pores, Currently most popular hardwood, Excellent stainability

Cons

More expensive, Less flexible, Heavier weight, Tannins can react with iron

Best Use Cases

Choose ash for tool handles, sports equipment, bent-wood furniture, and projects requiring flexibility and shock resistance. Choose white oak for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and any application where water resistance and design versatility matter.

Verdict

White oak is the better all-around hardwood with superior water resistance and stable supply. Ash excels in specialty applications requiring flexibility and shock resistance but faces long-term supply concerns.