Originally posted by Mike L:
I've purchased a piece of property in Maine which has a large amount of tall / straight white ash trees. I'd like to timber frame my house and was wondering if anyone knows how white ash would work.
I don't think you typically find ash in old frames and barns. There is probably good reason for that. The old timers knew what they were doing?!
Secondly I've heard - at least with dimensional lumber applications, that bugs really go after ash.
Since your application is intererior of a house, the bug issue may not be a big deal as opposed to an outside structure.
Lastly ash I recall tends to be rather gamely when drying in terms of distortion. Keep that in mind when the timbers are drying and being worked. Sealing ends and keeping timbers out of the sun as much as possible should help control that somewhat.
Just my amateur 2 cents. Good luck, let us know what you decide.
Greg