Ash, American
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeBlack ash a slender, medium sized tree reaching a height of 18m to 21 m growing in swamps and by rivers. Green ash, a small tree, some 12m to 15m in height. White ash The tree reaches a height of 15m to 18m or a little more, and a diameter of about 0.75m.
The TimberBlack ashThe timber is greyish-brown to brown in colour, darker than that of white ash, (F. americana) and inferior to that timber in general strength properties and lighter in weight, about 560 kg/m3 when dried. A certain amount of this species is used for interior trim and fittings It takes a good finish. Green ash produces timber similar to American white ash in appearance, but inferior to that timber in hardness, strength and toughness. It weighs about the same as white ash, about 670 kg/m3 when dried and is used for similar purposes as white ash, except for striking tool handles. White ash, the sapwood is almost white in colour and the heartwood varies from light brown to reddish-brown rather similar to European ash, but a little lighter in weight, about 670 kg/m3 when dried.
DryingDries with little distortion.
Working QualitiesGood - Although tough, ash works and machines quite well, and finishes to a reasonably smooth finish. It can be glued, stained, and polished.
Latin NameFraxinus spp, Fraxinus nigra, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Fraxinus americana
Also known asAmerican Ash (America), black ash (Fraxinus nigra), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), white ash, Canadian ash (Fraxinus americana), brown ash (Fraxinus nigra), red ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityEasy
MoistureMedium
TextureCoarse
OriginNorth America
Related Case Studies
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
