Ash

Ash Wood – Properties, Uses & Special Features

Ash wood comes from trees of the Fraxinus genus and is one of the most important native hardwoods in Europe. It stands out for its light appearance, high elasticity, and versatile applications – especially in furniture making, toys, and sports equipment.

Origin & Species

• Genus: Fraxinus

• Main species: Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), manna ash, narrow-leaved ash

• Distribution: Europe, North America, Asia

• Habitat: Moist floodplain forests, calcareous soils

Appearance & Structure

• Color: Whitish to yellowish, sometimes with olive-brown streaks

• Grain: Ring-porous, distinctive, decorative

• Surface: Smooth, matte sheen after planing

• Special feature: “Olive ash” with marbled patterning

Technical Properties

Applications

• Furniture: Tables, chairs, shelves, veneers

• Toys: Sports gear, plug-in games, wooden sleds

• Interior design: Parquet flooring, stairs, wall cladding

• Musical instruments: Guitars, drumsticks, piano parts

• Tool handles: Hammers, axes, rakes

• Craft wood: Turning work, model making

• Firewood: High calorific value, calm flame pattern

Advantages

• High strength & elasticity

• Distinctive, decorative grain

• Good stainability & surface treatment

• Sustainable & regionally available

• Suitable for educationally valuable toys

Disadvantages

• Not weather-resistant

• Susceptible to fungi and insect infestation

• Yellows under UV exposure

• Difficult to impregnate

Conclusion

Ash wood is a versatile, durable, and aesthetically appealing material. Especially for toys, furniture, and indoor sports equipment, it offers ideal qualities – robust, elastic, and naturally beautiful.