White Ash
- April 20, 2023
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White Ash, scientifically known as Fraxinus americana, is a hardwood species that is native to eastern and central North America. It is a tall and slender tree that can reach up to 80-120 feet in height, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet. The wood of White Ash is highly valued for its strength, flexibility, and attractive appearance.
The heartwood of White Ash is light to medium brown in color, while the sapwood is a paler yellowish-white. The wood has a straight grain pattern with a coarse texture and a moderate natural luster, which adds to its visual appeal. White Ash has an average dried weight of 42 lbs/ft3 (675 kg/m3) and a specific gravity of 0.67, which makes it less dense than other hardwoods like oak and maple.
White Ash is highly prized for its excellent working properties, as it is easy to saw, glue, and nail. It also has good bending properties, which makes it an ideal choice for furniture, sports equipment, and other items that require flexibility. The wood is widely used for flooring, furniture, cabinets, tool handles, and veneer.
White Ash is rated as moderately resistant to decay, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it is threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer and other pests and diseases, which has led to concerns about the sustainability of the species. Despite these challenges, White Ash remains a popular choice for a wide range of applications, and it is widely available and moderately priced throughout North America.
Common Name(s) | White Ash |
Scientific Name | Fraxinus americana |
Distribution | Eastern and Central North America |
Tree Size | 80-120 ft (24-37 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-.9 m) trunk diameter |
Average Dried Weight | 42 lbs/ft3 (675 kg/m3) |
Specific Gravity | 0.67 |
Janka Hardness | 1,320 lbf (5,870 N) |
Modulus of Rupture | 14,500 psi (100.0 MPa) |
Elastic Modulus | 1.94 million psi (13.38 GPa) |
Crushing Strength | 7,620 psi (52.5 MPa) |
Shrinkage | Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 9.9%, Volumetric: 14.6% |
Color/Appearance | Light to medium brown, heartwood can have a grayish or light brown tint |
Grain/Texture | Straight-grained with a coarse texture and moderate natural luster |
Rot Resistance | White Ash is rated as moderately resistant to decay |
Workability | Excellent working properties, easy to saw, glue, and nail |
Odor | No characteristic odor |
Allergies/Toxicity | No known health risks or allergic reactions |
Pricing/Availability | White Ash is moderately priced and widely available throughout North America |
Sustainability | White Ash is threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer and other pests and diseases |
Common Uses | Flooring, furniture, cabinets, tool handles, sports equipment, and veneer |
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