Quality Ash Lumber

Description

Good-quality ash lumber, with its strength, durability, and attractive grain, is very valuable for furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, and sports equipment. Following is a rundown of some important characteristics and tips regarding the identification and usage of good-quality ash lumber:

### Characteristics of Quality Ash Lumber:
1. **Grain and Color**:
– Ash has a straight, prominent grain, with the color ranging from light to medium brown, with a frequent touch of beige or tan.
– The heartwood is generally darker, whereas the sapwood is lighter.

2. **Density and Hardness**:
– Ash is a hardwood with about 1,320 lbf of Janka hardness rating, making it resistant to wear and durable.
– It is very resistant to shock, hence one of its applications includes tool handles and baseball bats.

3. **Workability**:
– Ash is generally considered to be fairly easy to work with both by hand and with machine tools.
– It sands, stains, and finishes well, although most times it requires a pre-stain conditioner for an even finish because of its porous grain.

4. **Stability**:
– Ash lumber is moderately stable, but like all wood, it can warp or crack if not properly dried or stored.

### Grades of Ash Lumber:
– **FAS (First and Second)**: The highest grade, with minimal defects and long, clear cuttings.
– **Select**: Slightly lower grade than FAS, with some minor defects but still high quality.
– **#1 Common**: Contains more knots and defects but is suitable for many projects.
– **#2 Common**: Lower grade with more imperfections, often used for rustic or utilitarian purposes.

### Tips for Selecting Quality Ash Lumber:
1. **Check for Defects**:
– Look for straight boards with minimal knots, cracks, or warping.
– Steer clear of lumber that contains too much sapwood for an even color, if desired.

2. **Moisture Content**:
– It needs to be correctly kiln-dried, getting a moisture content of 6-8% for indoor usage and slightly higher in case of outdoors.
– Wood is susceptible to warping or cracking whether it is too wet or if it dries too fast.

3. **End Grain**:
– Check the end grain for tight, even rings, which reflect slow, steady growth and higher strength.

4. **Sustainability**:
– Consider ash lumber from well-managed forests, considering the emerald ash borer has taken a heavy toll on ash tree populations in some parts of the world.

### Applications of Ash Lumber:
– **Furniture**: Tables, chairs, cabinets
– **Flooring**: Great option and quite appealing in hardwood floors.
Applications:
– **Sporting Goods-Wood**: Baseball bats, hockey sticks, and handles for many tools.
– **Millwork**: Doors, moldings, and trim.

### Care and Maintenance:
Ash wood surfaces need regular cleaning for nicety; hence, it should be dusted frequently.
Apply a protecting finish for strength, such as polyurethane or oil.

This will serve to protect the wood from damage caused by moisture.

With high-quality ash lumber and proper care, you can make long-lasting and beautiful projects with this versatile wood that will let its natural beauty and strength shine through.