As an easily accessible natural resource, humans have been using wood for an incredibly long time, with evidence of structural use dating back as far as 476,000 years, according to Nature Portfolio.

To this day, wood remains an incredibly popular material. However, it’s important to know that different types of wood offer various properties. Whether you’re using Silver Maple, Scots Pine, Russian Olive, or something else, you should consider the wood’s properties to choose the best option for your project.

Ash wood slab is a popular choice for a range of applications. But what makes it such a good choice? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Ash Wood?

Ash wood comes from Ash trees, which are typically found in subtropical forests. The trees are stronger than most, leading to wide industrial use of Ash wood, particularly as interior items.

In addition to the strength of Ash wood, it’s highly elastic and lightweight, making it easy to shape into various items that will have a long lifespan. The light weight means it’s also often a popular choice for furniture designed to be portable.

Ash wood is recognizable for its beige to light brown hue and primarily straight grains. It will occasionally have swirls in the grain.

Ash grows in various places across the planet and is found natively in Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Arctic Circle. As such, it has long been a staple choice for various uses throughout history.

Benefits of Ash Wood Slab

While one of the main advantages of Ash wood is its abundance, that doesn’t necessarily make it a good choice for furniture or anything else. However, several Ash wood slab benefits are important to note, as they make this wood type ideal for mutliple applications.

Sturdiness

One of the main benefits of choosing Ash wood slabs is that they’re sturdy. The Janka Hardness Scale serves as a measurement for this, and Ash generally has a hardness rating between 850 and 1480. This is a wide range due to the different types of Ash available.

For comparison, Oak is typically rated between about 1200 and 1400, while some woods are much softer, such as American Chestnut, which is rated at about 540.

The density of Ash makes it ideal for tables. It’s strong enough for everyday use in homes, which is one of the reasons it has become so popular for furniture.

Durability

Ash is also very durable. Furniture is often subject to everyday use, so items like tables need to be able to stand up to general wear and tear. Many people want furniture that will last, so Ash is often a great choice.

It’s important to note that Ash (like other woods) requires proper maintenance. If it’s not looked after, it will degrade faster. However, with proper care, it can easily last and maintain a new appearance for years.

Affordability

One of the main reasons for the wide use of Ash is its availability. It’s one of the most abundant hardwood trees in the world, making Ash one of the most affordable options. Other woods, such as Black Walnut, can serve similar purposes but are far more expensive.

This is beneficial for both manufacturers and customers. You can source Ash easily and produce quality products from it. The lower cost means more people can afford it, allowing them to own high-quality furniture without spending a fortune.

Shock-Resistance

One of the more unique properties of Ash wood is its shock resistance. Heavy use can damage furniture, and some woods may be far more susceptible than others.

Ash wood, on the other hand, can stand up to heavy weight and bumps that are likely to come from daily use. As such, it’s more likely to last longer without suffering major damage.

Appearance

One of the main considerations when buying wooden products is appearance. The aesthetics of different woods can vary vastly, and people place a lot of value on furniture that looks good.

Live edge slabs, in particular, are a type of product that people want to look as good as possible. The beautiful natural finish of Ash wood makes it perfect here.

The grain features unique patterns, and it’s lighter than many other types of wood. This makes it work well with other furniture, so it’s suitable for most homes. You can also easily stain it to change its appearance depending on what you’re after.

Versatility

Versatility is another key factor to consider when dealing with different woods. Woodwork with Ash slab is ideal as it works well for processes like kiln drying and slab flattening.

This is very beneficial for woodworkers as it makes it easier for them to produce quality pieces that meet the specifications they’re after. It also means you can use Ash to create varied pieces.

Common Uses of Ash Wood Slab

Ash is one of the best woods to work with, but it’s particularly well-suited to the following applications.

Live edge tables offer a timeless rustic design that just about anyone would love in their home. The grains and colors of Ash wood make it the perfect choice here. On top of this, its durability and sturdiness make it a great practical solution.

Dining tables are essential in just about every home. They serve as a centerpiece and get a lot of use. A strong, aesthetically pleasing wood like Ash is ideal for this.

Coffee tables can be a great addition to a living room, and Ash wood is the perfect material. It allows for unique coffee tables that can work well in just about any home.

Ash Wood From Les Bois Milling

Ash wood slab can serve as a great choice for woodworkers. If you’re looking for a strong, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing wood, Ash is one of the best available.

At Les Bois Milling, we use locally sourced trees to ensure the best quality Ash, Oak, Black Walnut, and more. No matter what your latest project is, we have the wood and expert services you need to make it a success.

Take a look at our services page to find out more.