Preserving, Refinishing, and Installing Hardwood Flooring since 1980.

Shown below with water-based finish (top),
and oil-based finish (bottom)

APPEARANCE

Color: Heartwood is light tan to dark brown; sapwood is creamy white. Similar in appearance to White Oak, but frequently more yellow.
Grain: Bold, straight, moderately open grain with occasional wavy figuring. Can have strong contrast in grain in plainsawn boards.
Species & Grade Variations: Sometimes confused with Hickory; the zone of large pores is more distinctive in Ash, similar to that of Red Oak.

PROPERTIES

Hardness (Janka): 1320; 2% harder than Northern Red Oak.
Dimensional Stability: Above average (change coefficient .00274; 26% more stable than Red Oak).
Durability: Elastic, hard; excellent shock resistance. Remains smooth under friction.

WORKABILITY

Sawing / Machining: Good machining qualities.
Sanding: Sands satisfactorily.
Nailing: Good holding ability; good resistance to splitting.
Finishing: No known problems. Stains well.

COST

(Relative to plainsawn select Red Oak.)
Multiplier: 1.20

AVAILABILITY

Moderately available.