European Ash Edge Glued Panels & Worktops

Distributed throughout Europe, including the British Isles, north Africa and western Asia, European Ash grows best on loamy soils where both the soil and the atmosphere is moist and cool.

Varying greatly in weight (528-816kg) due to the growing conditions, and generally averaging around 710kg/m3, European Ash is rather coarse textured and typically straight grained.

Due to its toughness and flexibility, it is one of the world's most valuable timbers for such uses as sports goods and striking tool handles. There is usually no distinction in colour between Ash sapwood, which is 7-15cm wide, and the heartwood. Freshly cut wood is whitish to pale brown with a pink cast, turning to a slightly brownish-white after drying.

In some logs, an irregular dark brown or black heartwood is found, but this is not necessarily a defect, as the timber is normally quite sound. Such logs containing dark heart streaks are often enhanced in value because of the decorative nature of the wood and are sold as olive ash.

European ash is similar to oak in general strength properties, but tougher and more resistant to splitting and has good working quality. Although tough, ash works and machines quite well, and finishes to a reasonably smooth finish.

Both full length and finger jointed ash panels are regularly used as ash worktops, and in the manufacture of all types of furniture.