Ash is a tough and flexible timber, known for its high shock resistance and resilience. It has a pale, creamy colour with a subtle grain pattern that often appears straight, giving it a clean and classic look. Ash is relatively lightweight but strong.
European Oak Fact File
- Scientific Name: Fraxinus excelsior (European Ash)
- Density: 680-710 kg/m³
- Strength: Strong and resilient with excellent shock resistance
- Durability: Non durable for outdoor use; recommended for interior applications
- Workability: Easy to work with; machines well, and takes stains and finishes smoothly
- Appearance: Pale cream to light brown with a straight, even grain and a smooth texture
- Common Uses: Furniture, joinery, interior flooring, sports equipment, and tool handles
- Sustainability: Often sourced from sustainable forests in Europe; fast-growing and widely available
Ash Grain Detail
Ash features a straight, clean grain with a smooth texture and a pale, creamy color. Its subtle grain pattern adds elegance, making it a favorite for furniture and interior joinery applications.
It is commonly used in furniture, sports equipment, and joinery, where its excellent bending qualities are highly valued. Ash is also a fast-growing species, making it a sustainable option for a wide range of uses.
Our use of ash is focused primarily on interior joinery and furniture production and smaller scale structural projects. We select premium-grade ash boards for their consistent appearance and quality, ensuring a fine finish that highlights the wood’s natural beauty and grain detail. Though ash is not naturally decay-resistant, it performs exceptionally well indoors and in protected environments.
PLEASE NOTE: Ash does not carry a CE strength certification grade, as it is typically used for non-structural applications. However we have carried out extensive in house testing on our Ash glulam showing higher strength than most other species we use. Ash is a natural material, with color and grain variations that add to its unique character. While we strive for consistency, we cannot guarantee complete uniformity in color or grain throughout. If you are interested in using Ash for a structural project please give us a call.
MORE ABOUT ASH
Ash project case studies - coming soon…
Click to read our blog 'Is ash more popular than spruce?'
Interested in using Ash for your glulam project?
Do you have questions about using Ash for your project? Get in touch with our friendly and experienced timber experts for tailored advice.