Wood Species Guide
European Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Also called: Common Ash, English Ash, French Ash, Olive Ash (figured), Ash (European)
About the name “European Ash”
Olive ash is not a separate tree. It is European ash with a dark brown, streaky heart that looks a bit like olivewood. The name is sometimes used for figured American ash too.
What European Ash looks like
Mostly pale cream to light tan, very close to white ash. Olive ash pieces have a dark brown, wavy heart with lighter streaks.
Grain and texture
Straight grain with a coarse, ring-porous texture and bold growth rings.
Working European Ash: planing, cutting and gluing
Machines, bends and glues well, and it is a classic steam-bending wood. It is tough, so keep tools sharp to avoid tearout around knots. Sands and turns cleanly.
Finishing European Ash: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Stains well and the grain shows strongly under a clear finish. Fill or seal the open pores before epoxy, or bubbles will rise through the pour. Pale ash yellows a little with light.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Perishable outdoors and open to powderpost beetles. Fairly stable once dry. In Florida, acclimate it and finish both faces of tabletops.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
European ash is the traditional wood for tool handles, oars and bentwood in Europe, and olive ash slabs make striking modern tables. It works and finishes much like our white ash. Ash dieback disease is killing many European trees, so salvage stock is common there. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for European Ash
Furniture, tables, flooring, tool handles, sports equipment, bentwood, millwork and veneer.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Ash dieback, a fungal disease, is killing trees across Europe, so a growing share of the lumber comes from salvaged trees.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Ash is a mild irritant. Skin irritation or a runny nose from the dust is reported now and then, but most people have no trouble.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Ash dust can irritate the skin and airways, and reduced lung function has been reported with heavy exposure. Use dust collection and a mask.
European Ash in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have European Ash listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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