Ash

Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior) is typically straight-grained and quite coarse textured. It varies somewhat in weight according to the growth conditions. There is usually no distinction in colour between sapwood and heartwood. Occasionally darkening of the heartwood creates an interesting character referred to as Olive Ash. Ash dries well and while it is tough, it machines and works quite well and can reach a reasonably smooth finish. It is similar to oak in general strength properties, but tougher and more resistant to splitting and absorbs shock without splintering. It can be glued, stained and polished.

Normally, there is no clear distinction in colour between sapwood and heartwood. The wood is very pale brown when freshly cut, turning reddish-brown on exposure and deep reddish-brown under the influence of steaming treatment commonly applied in parts of the continent. Some logs show an irregular, dark reddish-coloured heart. It is believed this is caused by the effect of severe frosts and more commonly occurs in continental beech. The wood is typically straight grained, with a fine, even texture, but its density and hardness varies depending on its location of growth. Beech timber is used for making a variety of products including furniture, flooring, cooking utensils, tool handles and sports equipment. The wood burns well and was traditionally used to smoke herring.