Ash Wood Guide 2026
Fraxinus americana
Tough and flexible domestic hardwood, excellent for sports equipment
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 42 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Price: ~$8.25 per board foot
- Common uses include Flooring, Furniture, Tool handles
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Coarse
Workability: Machines well; excellent for bending.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Takes stain well; often used as oak look-alike.
Color change: Light tan ambers slightly.
Insect resistance: Susceptible
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Ash. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
Availability notes: Supply affected by emerald ash borer; still commonly available.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Creamy white to light brown; wide sapwood
Grain: Straight; coarse texture
Common Uses
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Tool handles
- Baseball bats
- Cabinetry
Key Characteristics
Also known as: White Ash;American Ash
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,320 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Ash is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Ash vs Hickory
Hickory is the tougher floor that thrives in high-traffic and rustic settings. Ash is the cleaner-looking option ideal for contemporary spaces. Hickory's supply stability gives it an edge given ash's ongoing pest challenges.
View comparisonAsh vs White Oak
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.
View comparisonAsh vs Maple
Ash is the flexibility champion; maple is the hardness champion. Choose based on your project needs.
View comparisonOak vs Ash
Oak is the reliable all-rounder. Ash excels where flexibility matters but supply concerns loom.
View comparisonExplore More on Lumberama
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