Timber Framers Guild Forums General General Forum Questions Using ash lumber

The emerald ash borer is entering this area of Ohio and some experts predict a total loss of the ash trees in the upcoming years. White ash is a dominant lumber source here. Any advice on using ash for timber framing or other uses?

I used it in my frame here in KY. First impressions - looks like it checks more than oak, but not as much as maple. Grain is very similar to oak, but it looks much whiter than even the sap wood of white oak. Ash timbers when left in moist conditions (outside or in a damp barn) will develop deep black stains that will not sand out. (oak, for instance, does not have this problem, but maple does.) Not very rot resistant, so don't leave the logs laying around too long before sawing them.

All of the braces, and most of the ceiling timbers in our (unfinished) master bedroom are ash. My wife wants an ash floor in at least one room. I think ash would make a great floor - as it would brighten the room. (and it's very hard when dry)

-Thomas