Ash, American

American ash is the trade name for a variety of sub species of ash that are grown in the eastern parts of the USA. It is similar in appearance to European ash, with very pale sapwood and heartwood that varies from a greyish brown to light brown, or a pale yellow with brown streaks. The timber or veneer from the American ash is sometimes sold based on colour, with White Ash referring to the sapwood and brown ash referring to the heartwood. It is available in a wide range of grades and specifications.

American ash has good strength properties and is usually straight-grained with a uniform texture. The timber has good hardness and steam bends well; it also machines well and is an excellent timber for woodturning. Overall, American ash is easily worked, responding well to nailing, screwing and gluing. It can also be polished to a very high finish. The heartwood is not resistant to decay and is moderately resistant to preservative treatment, limiting the timber to interior applications. The sapwood, however, is permeable.

Common applications for American ash include furniture, flooring, doors, architectural interiors, high-end joinery and mouldings, cabinetry, paneling in the form of veneers, tool handles, sports goods and turnings. It is also becoming popular in the construction of electric guitars. It is an attractive and versatile timber for a vast range of interior applications.

American ash is readily available in the eastern USA, where the various sub species grow. It is available in Australia from specialist timber suppliers as both sawn timber and veneer.