(Fraxinus americana)
Appearance
Color: Heartwood is light tan to dark brown; sapwood is cream y white. Similar in appearance to white oak, but frequently more yellow.
Grain: Bold, straight, moderately open grain with occasional way figuring. Can have strong contrast in grain in plainsawn boards.
Variations Within Species and Grades: Sometimes confused with hickory; the zone of large pores is more distinctive in ash, similar to that of red oak.
Properties
Hardness/Janka: 1320; 2% harder than northern red oak.
Dimensional Stability: Above average (change coefficient .00274; 26% more stable than red oak)
Durability: Elastic, hard; excellent shock resistance. Remains smooth under friction.
