White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Genus: Fraxinus · Family: Oleaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
42 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,320 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
Light Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Easy
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •White Ash is harder than 54% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
White Ash (Fraxinus americana) is a tough, elastic hardwood valued for its shock resistance and straight grain. With a Janka hardness of 1,320 lbf and exceptional flexibility, it's the traditional choice for tool handles, baseball bats, and athletic equipment. Its light color and prominent grain make it attractive for furniture and flooring.
In Plain English
White Ash is the classic baseball bat wood — tough, flexible, and shock-resistant. It has a clean, light color with bold grain patterns. It's widely used for tool handles, sports equipment, and furniture. Currently threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
The go-to species for tool handles, baseball bats, hockey sticks, and athletic equipment. Also excellent for furniture, flooring, and millwork.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has devastated ash populations across North America, making this species increasingly scarce. Not naturally durable outdoors — treat or avoid exterior applications.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar light brown color that are easily confused with White Ash. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Texture: Fine to medium
- • Softer (Janka 830 lbf)
- • Lighter (35 lb/ft³)
- • Softer (Janka 850 lbf)
- • Lighter (34 lb/ft³)
- • Same genus — check end grain to separate
- • Harder (Janka 2,335 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
