Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior), also known as European Ash or Common Ash, is a timber that has been used in the United Kingdom for centuries.
You’re probably aware of Ash from all the press surrounding Ash Dieback Disease, which unfortunately might cause up to 85% of our ash woodland to disappear over the next decade. But, there is so much more to Ash, so we’ve rounded up 7 things you need to know about this underrated timber.
1. What is Ash wood?
Ash is a hardwood with a light cream colouring that can sometimes have some olive or brown streaks. Ash trees can reach a height of 35m and live for 400 or more years.
The beauty of this wood is the grain and colours from cream to olives in the heart wood, knots are uncommon and grain patterns can be visually stunning.
2. Is Ash readily available?
Ash trees are widespread and can be found across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Asia and even the Arctic Circle! Ash thrives in cooler temperatures and is the third most common tree in Britain.
Despite homegrown Ash currently being under threat from Ash dieback disease (Chalara Fraxinea), it can still be found although supplies are declining. As the disease if only found in saplings, mature trees and those set to reach maturity in the next few decades are unaffected.
3. Is Ash affordable?
Due to the large supply of Ash and demand being easily met, Ash is considered to be an affordable hardwood, some even consider Ash under-priced when compared to its rivals.
The price of Ash wood remains reasonable and stable, with there being a good availability of widths and lengths in T/T kiln dried timber. However, in the future this could change as Ash dieback impacts more of the homegrown supply.
4. Is Ash strong?
Known for its strength, Ash Wood is comparable to Oak. This hardwood is extremely durable with a hardness rating of 1,320 lbf, harder than Teak or Beech. Ash is able to absorb shocks without splintering.
A great feature of Ash is that it has strength and shock-resistance comparable to Oak, but is significantly lightweight when compared to Oak.
5. What is Ash used for?
Ash wood is suitable for steam bending and is often used for making handles for tools and sports equipment, including hammers, spades and baseball bats. Due to the pleasing appearance, this hardwood is also frequently used in furniture making.
With the nickname `golden oak’, Ash is often compared to Oak and is a popular choice for flooring. Ash is also commonly used for doors, staircases, timber frames and other interior joinery.
Ash can be stained without losing the grain and texture of the wood, due to large pore structures Ash wood is able to accept any colour evenly without any patches. Ash is considered to be a nice wood to work with when using hand tools or machines.
6. Is Ash a good wood for burning?
Generating a high heat, as well as burning cleanly and easily means that Ash wood makes for a great firewood. Ash is also easy to cut and split making it an ideal choice for burning. The BTU value of White Ash is 23.6 million BTUs per cord.
7. Can Ash wood be used outdoors?
Unfortunately, Ash wood is not recommended for outdoor uses. Due to poor rot resistance and insect resistance, this hardwood is not suited to external projects when left untreated.
There has been testing on Ash wood using thermo treatment which has enabled the wood to be used externally for extended periods of time. Typically, the inability to use this hardwood outdoors has been the main drawback when compared to similar hardwoods such as Oak, but with this new research this could improve in future years.
Due to the strength, appearance and affordability of Ash, we consider it to be amongst one of the best hardwoods available and undervalued when compared to other hardwoods.
W. L. West & Sons Ltd have supplies of Ash timber of various grades to suit different your project and budget, as well as other timbers such as European Oak. Get in touch with us to discuss your next project
WL West & Sons Ltd is a timber merchant and sawmill business with 150 years of experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
Our wood products, building materials and certified wood are manufactured and sold with the endorsement of forest certification and the Forest Stewardship Council FSC
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