Is Ash Wood Expensive?
There are many different wood species available for purchase. Which one you choose will depend mostly on the project you are planning, your personal style preferences, and your allotted budget for the project. That last factor—the cost—is most likely going to be at the front of your mind, especially if you have to buy your wood in bulk. That’s what we are going to go over in this article.
When compared to many other types of wood, ash wood is fairly inexpensive. This is mostly because the trees grow much larger, so there are more materials available. They’re also not highly resistant to different elements. While it is among the least expensive hardwoods, it is not the cheapest on the market as it is still sought after due to its attractive appearance and hardness rating.
Ash wood has many different uses in both residential and commercial projects, making it a versatile option. Without further ado, let’s dive into what you need to know about ash wood.
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What is Ash Wood?
Ash wood is a smooth-grained hardwood that grows across the eastern United States and in parts of Canada. It is quite similar to oak in terms of durability, appearance, and cost. The main difference is both white and red oak are slightly more expensive.
While most people think “hardwood” refers to how dense and durable the wood is, it actually is only about the type of tree the wood comes from. Hardwood comes from a dicot tree, which is a broad-leafed tree variety.
There are between 40 and 60+ types of ash trees in the world, many of which are native to the United States. However, the most common type you’ll find for purchase is from a white ash tree. This is a lighter variety with wider spaced rings. Other common ash wood species include:
- Black Ash
- Blue Ash
- European Ash
- Green Ash
- Oregon Ash
- Pumpkin Ash
- Tamo Ash
- Olive Ash
- Swamp Ash
Prices of Common Types of Wood (per board foot)
Before we go over the different prices of different types of wood, you should know what board feet really means. A board foot is a measure by volume. To calculate board footage, contractors convert the board’s dimensions to inches, multiply the length and width and thickness, and then divide that number by 144. You can also convert to feet and divide the amount by 12. Here are the average prices for some of the more common wood types per board foot:
- Pine Wood: $2 – $12
- Ash Wood: $2.50 – $7.50
- White Oak Wood: $4 – $18.50
- Walnut: $4 – $25
- Red Oak Wood: $5 – $10
- Soft Maple: $6.50 – $17.50
- Hard Maple: $8 – $25
- Mahogany: $10 – $50
What Affects the Cost of Ash Wood?
There are a handful of different factors that go into overall cost of ash wood, and it’s important to know about each of these before you decide to choose it for your upcoming project. Here are the most important factors to consider:
Size of the Tree
Ash trees are flower trees that usually grow between 65 and 100 feet tall. That said, they can grow as tall as 130 feet. Since ash trees are so much larger, there is more wood to harvest, making it more readily available for purchase. This makes it less expensive than more exclusive types of wood.
Tree Population
While ash trees themselves are large, they are under the risk of becoming extinct due to a wood-boring pest called the Emerald Ash Borer. Healthy trees that become infested will only live for a few years, which has greatly reduced the population of ash trees in the wild.
As these numbers decrease, the price for the wood will get higher. Currently, it is listed as critically endangered Many agencies are working to get rid of the pest and treat the trees. Should they be successfully, the ash tree population will thrive once more.
Appearance of the Grain
Ash wood has a medium to coarse texture that is fairly similar to oak. The grain is usually straight with occasional curly boards. The heartwood, or central wood of the tree, ranges from a light to medium brown. The sapwood, or outer layer, is usually beige or light brown. With these lighter hues, ash wood can be used for many different applications, which makes it a very popular wood type.
Hardness of the Tree
The Janka hardness scale determines the strength of different wood species. It does this by measuring the force needed to lodge an 11.28mm steel ball halfway through a piece of wood. Typically, a good hardness rating is anything over 1000 pounds. Ash trees are very durable, coming in with a Janka hardness rating of 1320.
Resistance to Rot and Decay
The heartwood of ash trees is rated as perishable, which basically means it’s only somewhat durable when it comes to decay. Ash wood is also known for not being resistant to insects and pests. That said, it is very durable when it comes to using stain and sealants on it, which you can use to protect it from rot.
Type of Wood
Ash wood is a hardwood, and these types of wood are typically more expensive than softwoods. Both can be used for both structural and decorative purposes. Hardwoods are considered to be superior in strength and durability because they have a more condensed and complex structure.
Popular Uses for Ash Wood
Ash wood is used for many different projects, both residential and commercial. IT has a very ordinary straight grain and light hue that makes it aesthetically pleasing and versatile. It’s also lightweight and shock-resistant, which is why you can use it for so many different projects. Most notably, ash wood can be used for…
- Cabinetry
- Doors
- Molding
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Oars
- Sports Equipment
- Tools Handles
- Boxes and Crates
Related Questions
Can you put wood furniture outside?
No, you should not put wood furniture outside. Otherwise, it would require more regular maintenance and upkeep to stop it from deteriorating. Even then, it probably still will degrade.
What is the best type of wood for furniture?
You can use many different wood varieties for furniture building. Some of the most popular include walnut, maple, mahogany, oak, ash, cherry, and pine.
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So, Can We Consider Ash Wood an Expensive Type of Wood?
Ash wood is a cost-effective and versatile wood that is popular for many different projects. Typically, they cost between $2.50 to $7.50 per board foot, which is the cost by volume of each piece of wood. While it’s not the cheapest option, it is one of the most inexpensive when compared to many other popular wood varieties. Hopefully this helps as you plan your next project.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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