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Few hardwoods balance strength, beauty, and workability quite like Ash. With its pale colour, bold grain, and legendary toughness, Ash Lumber has been a quiet favourite among furniture makers, turners, and tool-handle craftsmen for generations.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we carry Ash Lumber for one simple reason—it consistently performs. Whether you’re building durable furniture, crafting cabinetry, or working on fine turning projects, Ash delivers strength without unnecessary weight.
Ash Lumber comes from the Fraxinus genus, a group of North American hardwoods known for their resilience and clean grain. White Ash (Fraxinus americana) is the most popular species for woodworking thanks to its superior strength and beautiful cathedral grain.
Historically prized for baseball bats, axe handles, and everyday-use furniture, Ash’s combination of impact resistance, elasticity, and clean appearance makes it ideal for both rustic and modern designs.
Ash’s visual appeal lies in its light, clean, and versatile appearance.
Typical Characteristics:
Colour: Light beige to creamy brown, sometimes with a gentle golden tint
Grain: Straight, bold, and open with cathedral-like patterns
Texture: Medium–coarse, similar to oak but smoother
Luster: Natural satin glow that brightens beautifully with finish
Ash accepts stain exceptionally well—allowing it to mimic walnut, oak, or even exotic hardwoods when desired.
Ash is a tough wood, but surprisingly cooperative. It machines well and is strong enough for demanding builds.
Technical Overview:
Janka Hardness: ~1,320 lbf (similar to Red Oak)
Density: Medium-heavy; excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Workability: Machines, turns, sands, and finishes easily
Gluing & Fasteners: Excellent adhesion and strong fastener hold
Bending: High shock resistance; ideal for steam bending
Ash’s open grain may raise slightly after sanding—using a grain filler or pre-sealer helps achieve a smooth, refined finish.
Ash is one of the most adaptable hardwoods available, suitable for nearly any interior woodworking project.
Common Uses Include:
Furniture & cabinetry
Table legs and chair frames
Flooring & stair parts
Baseball bats & tool handles
Turned bowls, pens, and spindle work
Veneers & decorative wall panels
If you love the durability of oak but want a brighter, cleaner aesthetic—Ash is your wood.
Exceptional Strength: Withstands heavy use and impact
Lightweight Stability: Strong without being overly heavy
Bold, Beautiful Grain: Striking cathedral patterns
Versatile Finish Options: Takes stain evenly and predictably
Sustainable: Responsibly sourced across North America
Ash offers professional-grade performance for everyone—from hand tool purists to CNC woodworkers.
Ash is beloved, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Open Pores: Grain filler helpful for ultra-smooth finishes
Weight: Slightly heavier than maple or cherry
Availability: Emerald ash borer has impacted supply in some areas
Outdoor Limitation: Not naturally rot-resistant—needs protection outdoors
Still, Ash remains one of the most dependable and visually appealing hardwoods you can buy.
Ash is incredibly finish-friendly. Its open grain readily absorbs oils and stains, making it ideal for both natural and dark-toned finishes.
Recommended Finishes:
Clear water-based or poly: Highlights grain while protecting
Danish or Tung Oil: Adds warmth and depth
Stain: Excellent for colour matching or custom tones
Wax: Soft, elegant sheen for indoor furniture
For a high-end look, apply grain filler before finishing to achieve a smooth, glass-like surface.
These two hardwoods are often compared. Here’s how they differ:
| Feature | Ash Lumber | Oak Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Light beige → pale brown | Warm brown → reddish tones |
| Grain | Bold, straight, open | Coarse, varied, porous |
| Hardness | ~1,320 lbf | ~1,290 lbf (Red Oak) |
| Workability | Easy to machine | Harder on tools |
| Finish | Even stain acceptance | Can blotch/darken |
| Weight | Moderate | Heavier |
| Price | Often more affordable | Slightly higher |
Ash delivers oak-level durability with a lighter, more contemporary look—perfect for Scandinavian or minimalist designs.
When selecting Ash, look for:
Kiln-dried stock for stability
Clean grain and even tone
Minimal defects
Clear species labeling (“Ash Lumber” or “White Ash”)
At The Knotty Lumber Co., our Ash Lumber is:
Fully kiln-dried and graded
Available rough or surfaced (S2S/S4S)
Offered as dimensional boards, turning blanks, and craft packs
Responsibly sourced from North American forests
Each board is selected for clarity, consistency, and optimal workability.
For more than a century, Louisville Slugger baseball bats were made almost exclusively from White Ash. Its unique blend of lightness and flexibility provided unmatched swing feel—earning Ash a legendary place in baseball history.
Q: Is Ash good for furniture making?
A: Yes—its strength, stability, and ease of finishing make it ideal for furniture and cabinetry.
Q: Does Ash darken over time?
A: Only slightly. It maintains a light, golden tone when sealed with UV-resistant finishes.
Q: Can Ash be used outdoors?
A: Only with proper sealing. It’s not naturally rot-resistant.
Q: How does Ash compare to Maple?
A: Maple is denser and smoother; Ash is lighter with a bolder grain.
Q: Is Ash sustainable?
A: Yes—despite Emerald Ash Borer impacts, Ash remains responsibly managed across North America.
Ash Lumber proves that practical doesn’t have to mean plain. Its perfect blend of strength, workability, and clean visual character has made it a favourite among craftsmen for generations.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we proudly supply hand-selected Ash boards, turning blanks, and craft packs—graded for grain, tone, and reliability—so you can create your best work with confidence.
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