Fraxinus americana
Appearance
Color: Heartwood is light tan to dark brown; sapwood is creamy 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.
Workability
Sawing/Machining: Good machining qualities.
Sanding: Sands satisfactorily.
Nailing: Good holding ability; good resistance to splitting.
Finishing: No known problems. Stains well.
Comments:
Cost
(relative to plainsawn select red oak)
Multiplier: 1.20
Availability
Moderately available.
Source: National Wood Flooring Association