Wood species

Fraser, the wood that absorbs shocks

January 19, 2018
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5 Min
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If they're all the same color, it's virtually impossible to tell the difference between a piece of furniture made of ash wood and one made of oak. Design, grain, pores are very similar, color is the only difference between ash and oak. In terms of properties, however, the differences are much greater. For example, ash has the property of absorbing shocks without aftershock. That's why it's used to make hockey sticks and baseball bats.

Structure and properties of ash wood

The ash tree - Fraxinus - is a member of the Oleaceae family and although it seems unlikely, it is related to the olive and the bat. The same family also includes 65-70 other types of ash trees and shrubs. The species found here is Fraxinus excelsior, also called European ash or common ash. It is found all over Europe, from northern Spain to Russia, from northern Greece to Norway and as far southwest as Asia. It grows in moist, calcareous soils and is drought-resistant. But it doesn't like low temperatures, which is why it is rarely found at altitudes above 2000m. It doesn't like solitude either, and it is very dominant in the forest.

The tree grows up to 30-35 m, exceptionally up to 40 m, with a diameter of 1.5-2 m (sometimes even 3 m). When young, the bark is thin and smooth, greenish-grey. With maturity the bark darkens, thickens and vertical cracks appear. The leaves fall off late in spring, sometimes after the flowers, which are dark purple. In autumn, the leaves do not change color and fall off at the first frost, keeping their green color.

frasin
photo source: en.wikipedia.org

In cross-section, a broad area of yellowish cream to light brown albumen is visible. The heartwood zone is narrower, light to medium brown in color. Young wood is lighter in color, darkening as it matures. The difference between sapwood and heartwood is not always visible.

ash wood
photo source: en.kingwaywood.com

The fiber is straight and regular, with ripples occurring rarely. The texture is oak-like. The annual rings are clearly defined and visible. The pores are large and round in the earlywood zone, and are arranged in 2-4 rows. Latewood pores are small and solitary. The medullary rays are not visible to the naked eye and this is also one of the elements that distinguish it from oak.

ash wood
photo source: wood-database.com

Ash stands out for its ability to absorb shock without cracking

Ash wood is used both as solid wood and as veneer. It is not very resistant to rotting and insect attack and is therefore not recommended for use in contact with the ground (fencing). Its main qualities are:

  • shock resistance and ability to withstand shock without cracking
  • flexibility (elasticity)
  • light color, almost white

Its elasticity and shock-absorbing properties have made it used in the past to make skis and tennis rackets. Ash sleds are still made for dog racing in Scandinavia. It is also used to make hockey sticks, baseball bats, billiard cues and handles for household tools (hammers, axes). For years it was the most commonly used wood for making sticks.

ash wood
photo source: nationalsports.com

Being hard and resilient, it's great for floors and is also used in gyms because it absorbs shock.

ash wood
photo source: plushardwoodflooring.com

Some specialists consider ash to be the most resilient species in Europe, but in any case it is the second most widely used species after beech for steam bending. One of the makers of art furniture who has put a lot of value in ash is Joseph Walsh. The distinctive steam-bent shapes, combined with the slightly yellowish white color, have made his furniture pieces true works of art.

ash wood
photo source: designrulz.com

It is also used to make ordinary furniture without curved elements. It can be colored easily, but its natural color is preferred.

ash wood
photo source: arredamentisimone.it

Thanks to its beautiful design and great color it is also used in the manufacture of musical instruments. Both electric and classical guitars are made, and it is a good material for making sound boxes.

ash wood
photo source: musiquiatra.com

Ash wood is also beautifully turned. Thanks to its pattern and color it looks great when structured, brushing or sandblasting putting it to good use.

ash wood
brushed ash wood photo source: sightunseen.com

It is also a very good firewood because it splits easily and has low water content. In England in the past, when ash wood was used as fuel, it was cut just above the ground and the stump left in the ground. New plants grew from it and after 10 years were cut down again.

Ash bark has also been used for years as a remedy in herbal therapies. It has astringent properties and has been used against fever, liver and bile blockages, rheumatism and arthritis. The leaves and seeds are also used in herbal medicine. Perhaps that is why the ash is considered by the Nordic countries to be the tree of rebirth and healing.

ash wood
photo source: artimondo.it
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About the author

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Mihaela Radu

Mihaela Radu is a chemical engineer but has a great passion for wood. She has been working in the field for more than 20 years, wood finishing being what defined her during this period. She gained experience working in a research institute, in her own company, as well as in a multinational. She wants to continuously share her experience with those who have the same passion - and more.

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