Ash is a type of hardwood known for its light color, smooth grain, and durability. It grows along the east coast and in parts of Canada and is commonly used for furniture making, baseball bats, tool handles, and restaurant furniture. Ash wood is attractive, lightweight, shock-resistant, and absorbs stains well. White ash and green ash are the most commonly found varieties of ash trees in North America, with black ash also found in Vermont. The scientific name for ash is Fraxinus and it is a member of the olive tree family.
Some characteristics of Ash Wood:
- Light colored with beige-to-light-brown hue
- Straight grain
- Durable and hard
- Lightweight
- Shock-resistant
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Absorbs wood stains well
- Versatile in use (fine furniture, baseball bats, tool handles, restaurant furniture, home furnishings)
- Historically used in American furniture making.