Ash, European
Latin name: Fraxinus excelsior
Wood Type:
Hardwood
Durability:
Not durable
Treatability:
Moderately easy
Moisture Movement:
Medium
Density (mean, Kg/m³):
710 (Density can vary by 20% or more)
Texture:
Medium to coarse
Availability:
Readily available at timber merchant
Price:
Medium
Chemical Properties:
Selected stock may be tough and suitable for bending
Use(s):
Joinery - Interior, Furniture, Flooring

Introduction
European ash is typically straight grained, and this, combined with its toughness and flexibility, makes it one of the world's most valuable timbers for such uses as sports goods and striking tool handles. It is rather coarse textured, and varies somewhat in weight according to the growth conditions, from 528 kg/m³ to 816 kg/m³ when dried, but averaging 710 kg/m³.
Environmental
Not listed in CITES. Believed available from well-managed sources. Check certification status with suppliers.
Distribution
Europe including the British Isles, north Africa and western Asia, growing best on loamy soils where both the soil and the atmosphere is moist and cool.
The tree
A tall, graceful tree, reaching a height of 30m to 42m on good sites, with a clear bole averaging 9m in length, and occasionally more. The diameter varies from 0.5m to 1.5m.
The timber
There is usually no distinction in colour between sapwood and heartwood, freshly cut wood being whitish to pale brown with a pink cast, turning to a slightly brownish-white after drying. In some logs, an irregular dark brown or black heartwood is found, but this is not necessarily a defect, as the timber is normally quite sound. Logs containing dark heart streaks are often enhanced in value because of the decorative nature of the wood which is known as olive ash.
Drying
Dries at a fairly rapid rate without excessive surface checking and splitting, but under the influence of severe temperatures, there is a tendency to distort and for end splitting to occur. Distorted stock responds well to reconditioning kiln treatment.
Strength
Similar to oak in general strength properties, but tougher and more resistant to splitting.
Working qualities
Good - Although tough, ash works and machines quite well, and finishes to a reasonably smooth finish. It can be glued, stained, and polished.
Suppliers |
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Abbey Woods
Dublin 13 |
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Border Hardwood Ltd
Wem |
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E. y F. Gamiz
Sta. Cruz De Campezo (Alava) |
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Enfield Speciality Doors
Enfield |
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English Woodlands Timber Ltd
Midhurst |
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Gilmour & Aitken
Alexandria |
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iWood Timber Ltd
Stafford |
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James Latham plc
Hemel Hempstead |
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Morgan Timber
Rochester |
|
NHG Timber Limited
Croydon |
|
Simonin
25500 Montlebon |
|
Timber Focus
Manchester |
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Timbmet
Stanford in the Vale |
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Vastern Timber
Swindon |
|
W. L. West & Sons Ltd
Petworth |
|
Whitney Sawmills
Hereford |
|
Suppliers |
|
---|---|
Whitney Sawmills
Hereford |
|
W. L. West & Sons Ltd
Petworth |
|
Vastern Timber
Swindon |
|
Timbmet
Stanford in the Vale |
|
Timber Focus
Manchester |
|
Simonin
25500 Montlebon |
|
NHG Timber Limited
Croydon |
|
Morgan Timber
Rochester |
|
James Latham plc
Hemel Hempstead |
|
iWood Timber Ltd
Stafford |
|
Gilmour & Aitken
Alexandria |
|
English Woodlands Timber Ltd
Midhurst |
|
Enfield Speciality Doors
Enfield |
|
E. y F. Gamiz
Sta. Cruz De Campezo (Alava) |
|
Border Hardwood Ltd
Wem |
|
Abbey Woods
Dublin 13 |
|