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.