The Fresno belongs to the Oleaceae Family (olive tree) with about 70 species in the world. Of these, White Ash and Black Ash are the ones that are used efficiently in the wood industry. Ashwood trees grow throughout the world in places as far apart as North America, Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. White Ash has a light white to pale yellow sapwood, and the heartwood leans more toward light to medium brown tones. Due to increased supply, ash furniture tends to be more readily available and is also cheaper, compared to oak. Ash wood has the same high quality standards as oak, but at a more affordable cost.
Versatile
Ash wood is versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, from tools to sports equipment and even furniture. Black Ash is a medium density wood, similar to Black Walnut, but softer than White Ash. Black Ash can be used for basket making and other more detailed work due to its layering characteristics.
White ash is often substituted for oak. White Ash wood is similar to Red Oak in appearance and characteristics; when stained, it looks like oak since the grain pattern of the two woods is similar. This allows ash wood to be used in different types of furniture, modern contemporary ash furniture designs and more traditional designer furniture as well.
Ash wood is odourless, so it can be used to make serving utensils.
Easy to handle and durable.
Ash is a “user-friendly” wood and readily accepts nails, screws, and glue. Although hard, the wood bends well and allows for a smooth finish because stain and paint adhere well to the wood.
Ash wood is usually easy to sand and machine. It is also easy to carve.
This is resistant to decay in the heartwood. This makes it durable and requires little maintenance.
Shock resistant
Ash Wood has a Janka rating of 1320, making it between red oak and white oak in hardness. This makes it a good choice for floors in high-traffic areas or areas that are susceptible to heavy use, such as kitchens. Ash hardwood floors are durable and impact resistant. Although hard, the wood bends well.
Ash wood has the best strength to weight ratio and is therefore used to make baseball bats. Since most players don’t want a bat larger than 32 oz. this becomes significant. It is also used for tool handles and other sports equipment.