Edensaw Woods is your best source for
high-quality domestic ash wood in the Seattle-Port Townsend, Washington area. We cater to local home builders, woodworkers, and remodelers, offering a diverse selection of ash domestic wood for all types of woodworking projects - big or small. We are committed to consistently exceeding expectations and delivering top-notch service to our customers and the community. Don't hesitate to
contact us today to place an order for your next project!
Domestic ash wood is a versatile and durable hardwood often favored as an affordable alternative to White Oak. Its color is light to medium brown, which deepens over time, and its prominent, straight, and uniform grain gives finished projects a classic, clean appearance. Ash takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, enabling woodworkers to achieve their desired color and finish. These properties make it an ideal choice for furniture, architectural millwork, and flooring.
Key Properties and Considerations for Ash
- Janka Hardness: Ash is strong, with a Janka rating of approximately 1320 lbf, making it slightly harder than Red Oak (1290 lbf). This resilience makes it historically popular for sporting goods like baseball bats and tool handles.
- Workability: The wood is moderately lightweight and easy to work with - it cuts, sands, and shapes cleanly. It comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, enabling woodworkers to achieve their desired color and appearance.
- Stability: Ash must be properly kiln-dried and cured. Like most hardwoods, if not handled correctly, it can warp or crack. It is not naturally moisture-resistant and should be used exclusively for interior projects unless treated.
- Pest Concern: Customers should be aware that Ash is susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Proper kiln drying kills larvae, but the long-term supply of ash is a consideration.
Aesthetic Comparison to Oak and Maple? Ash offers a unique aesthetic that blends the best features of other popular hardwoods:
- Grain Pattern: Ash has a distinct, pronounced open grain structure, making it look similar to Red Oak. When finished, the grain is highly visible, providing a classic, textured look.
- Color Tone: Unlike the reddish tint of Red Oak, Ash is typically pale brown or creamy white, allowing it to mimic the light tone of Maple while retaining the visible grain pattern of Oak.
- Flexibility: Ash is one of the few hardwoods with excellent elasticity, meaning it can absorb impact without fracturing. This makes it ideal for chair frames, bent components, and flooring subject to heavy use.
Working and Finishing Tips - Because of its open grain, Ash requires specific finishing steps:
- Sanding: Ash sands easily to a smooth surface. However, due to its ring-porous structure, excessive sanding must be avoided, as it can burnish the soft latewood, preventing stain absorption in those areas.
- Staining: Ash accepts both light and dark stains beautifully. If a deep, rich color is desired, consider applying a wood grain filler first, which will level the surface and prevent the topcoat from sinking into the open pores.
- Steam Bending: Ash is one of the top domestic woods for steam bending, often used for curved furniture parts like chair backs and rocking chair runners.
Thermo-Treated Ash: Exterior Options $\mathbf{T}$
To address Ash's lack of natural moisture resistance and to provide a durable exterior option, modern thermal modification is used:
- The Process: Thermo-treated Ash is heated to high temperatures in a zero-oxygen environment. This chemical-free process permanently alters the wood's cellular structure, making it highly resistant to decay, water absorption, and insects.
- Exterior Use: Thermo-treated Ash is suitable for exterior decking, siding, and exposed outdoor furniture, where it provides dimensional stability superior to untreated wood. Its color darkens during treatment, often resembling a dark walnut or mahogany.
As your local domestic & exotic supplier and local rough sawn & surfaced lumber supplier,
Edensaw Woods (
Edensaw.com) offers a wide selection of top-quality
domestic wood and lumber essential for cabinet, marine, and construction projects across the Pacific Northwest region. From our locations in Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, USA, we provide professionals and hobbyists in Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma with premium local rough sawn and surfaced lumber. Browse popular varieties, including
alder,
ash,
basswood,
beech, and
birch. Our specialty lumber selection also features beautiful hardwoods like
cherry,
hickory, and
walnut, alongside reliable softwoods like
fir and aromatic
tennessee cedar. We stock various maple options, including
maple (eastern) and
maple (western), plus oak selections like
red oak,
red oak riftsawn-quartersawn, classic
white oak, and premium
white oak riftsawn-quartersawn, among many more choices. Learn about our wide array of
products and
services by reaching out via
contact us.
